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Introduction to Neurons and Neuronal Networks

The three pounds of jelly-like material found within our skulls is the most complex machine on Earth and perhaps the universe. Its phenomenal features would not be possible without the billions of neurons that make it up, and, importantly, the connections between those neurons. Fortunately, much is known about the properties of individual neurons and simple neuronal networks, and aspects of complex neuronal networks are beginning to be unraveled.

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 A new approach to brain health, one neuron at a time

Neuroscientist Paul Nuyujukian likens the brain to a stadium full of people. To eavesdrop on the crowd you could put a microphone in the middle of the stadium. But to understand the conversations you need to record individual people. He thinks about the brain the same way. To understand brain disease, he studies neurons—one at a time. And his insights are shedding light on a big global issue—stroke.

 The Life and Death of a Neuron

Until recently, most neuroscientists (scientists who study the brain) thought we were born with all the neurons we were ever going to have. In 1962, scientist Joseph Altman challenged this belief when he saw evidence of neurogenesis (the birth of neurons) in a region of the adult rat brain called the hippocampus. Many aspects of neurogenesis in the adult human brain are still not well understood, including how it impacts the brain and its functions. Still, scientists are intrigued by current research on neurogenesis and the possible role of new neurons in the adult brain for learning and memory.

Articles of Interest

Beauty of the Brain

Is the human brain, with all its problem-solving prowess and creative ability, powerful enough to understand itself? Nothing in the known universe (with the exception of the universe itself) is more complex; the brain contains about 100 billion nerve cells, or neurons, each of which can communicate with thousands of other brain cells.

Brain Synapses: Neurons, Astrocytes, and Extracellular Vesicles in Health and Diseases

Synapses, abundant in the brain, are structures needed for life. Our Introduction, based on the forms of such structures published few decades ago, helped in developing recent concepts of health and diseases. Growing axons govern their growth by cell-to-cell communication, axon guidance, and synapse orientations. The assembly of synapses requires the organization and function of pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neuronal terminals with a liquid–liquid phase, governed by Ca2+ responses of thin astrocyte domains.

Genetic evidence that our brains make new neurons in adulthood may close a century-old debate

Cells from human brain tissue have genetic hallmarks of neural progenitors, AI-aided study finds

How do neurons live long and healthy?

Neurons must maintain high metabolic activity to transmit information effectively within the nervous system. The brain consumes approximately 25% of the body's glucose to produce the energy needed for this activity.

Neurons Don't Look Like We've Long Thought, Controversial Study Says

The most complicated object in the known Universe is bound to inspire some heated debate, but neuroscientists are now arguing over a basic aspect of the brain we thought we'd figured out. A controversial study, led by Jacqueline Griswold from Johns Hopkins University in the US, has some scientists arguing for a fundamental change in how we view neurons – the building blocks of the brain and nervous system. Despite what most diagrams show, axons – the main arms of neurons – are not a smooth cylinder, they say, but more like a string of pearls. The size and spacing of those nanoscopic bumps are dynamic, possibly controlling how quickly messages are sent in the brain.

Neurons: How the Brain Communicates

Neurons (or nerve cells) are the basic working units of the brain and nervous system. They are information messengers, using electrical impulses and chemical signals to transmit information between different regions of the brain and between the brain and the rest of the nervous system. There are thousands of types of neurons, but scientists classify them into three broad types based on function...

Neuropathies Are Overdiagnosed

Nerves make people nervous! The whole idea of nerves gets people anxious. Could it be a nerve? People are likely to wonder if any puzzling pain. Is this a nerve problem? What if it’s a nerve? Is something pinching my nerve? Something must be pinching a nerve! The ad with the stinging ants is a great example of advertising that inflames anxiety about nerves. Pfizer and other pharmaceutical companies spent about a kajillion dollars on marketing that can create more worry about nerve pain in a year than I can counteract in an entire lifetime of low-budget public education! Bummer.

The Role of Neurons in Human Health and Disease

Neurons are the functional units of the nervous system. They are responsible for carrying stimuli throughout the human body and help coordinate all of the necessary functions of life by using electrical and chemical signals. The nervous system regulates immunity and inflammation. Neuroinflammation is a key component of neurological disorders and is an important therapeutic target. Neurological disorders are the conditions which affect the neurons in the human body and the rest of the nervous system, resulting in a range of symptoms.

Unraveling the Secrets of Neurons

The secrets of neurons and their impact on blood vessels are gradually being unraveled, shedding light on the intricate connection between the brain and the circulatory system. From neurovascular coupling to the potential for therapeutic interventions, this field of research holds immense promise for understanding and treating neurological and vascular disorders. By delving into this fascinating realm, we may unlock new possibilities for optimizing brain health and improving overall well-being.

When nerves get damaged

We've all had a foot fall asleep because of the way we have been sitting or standing. The abnormal pressure pushes on nerves and compresses the blood vessels that supply them. The nerves react to their distress by sending signals that cause an unpleasant, even painful, tingling sensation. But it's a temporary situation: the pins-and-needles go away after we change position, so blood vessels open up and the pressure is off the nerve – unless you suffer from peripheral neuropathy.

Resources

Neuron

Neuron publishes outstanding research spanning all neuroscience sub-disciplines- from molecular, to systems-level, including cognitive and theoretical domains. The editorial team also commissions reviews and commentaries to highlight themes, synthesize insights and promote discussions at the interface of science and society.