The brain contains many cell types, from the prominent neurons to the lesser-known microglia. The latter are integral to the brain's immune system and play a crucial role as the brain's cleanup crew.

Medically reviewed by Nicholas R. Metrus, MD Key Takeaways Neurons are cells that transmit electrical signals through the nervous system.Motor neurons control muscle activity and movement by carrying ...

During brain development, neurons can regulate their movement until they reach their final destination thanks to a "molecular ...

When triggered by an odor, rapid changes in membrane voltage and intracellular calcium ion levels occur in nematode olfactory neurons, causing membrane voltage sensors and calcium ion sensors to ...

A clearance mechanism involving microglia has been known to relieve neurons of toxic protein aggregates such as those associated with Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Unfortunately, this ...

A new Yale study has revealed that neurons — the energy-hungry cells that connect and direct activity in the brain — are equipped with “backup batteries” that kick in to keep the brain running during ...

Scientists have shown that specialized cells involved in how the body responds to insulin are activated in the brain after exercise, suggesting that physical activity may directly improve brain ...

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning systems has increased the demand for new hardware components that could speed up data analysis while consuming less power. As ...

A new study is illuminating how “forever chemicals” can alter our brain cells by impairing the genes that maintain healthy neurons, the cells of our nervous system. Scientists are only beginning to ...

Neurodiversity advocates have long argued that autistic brains are differently wired. Now, new evidence shows they are right. Researchers have found atypical numbers of brain cells in two key areas of ...