Neuroblasts

Nina Callard, Wellcome Images

You may have been told you can become anything you want, but it’s doubly true for these neuroblasts. These immature neural cells can grow into anything from neurons to glia as they populate the diverse cells that composes the nervous system.

Neuroblasts feature prominently in the explosion of growth that takes place while embryos develop. But they also hang around into adulthood, helping the production of new brain cells and aiding recovery from brain injury and stroke. Researchers are hoping to use their accommodating nature to boost that regenerative ability. A 2013 paper reported the successful transformation of astrocytes — a commonly found support cell — into neuroblasts, a feat that some hope could someday treat brain injuries.

About the Author

Charlie Wood

Charlie Wood is a science writer with a bachelor’s degree in physics from Brown University and a master’s degree in science journalism from New York University. In previous lives he taught physics in Mozambique and English in Japan, but these days he freelances from his home in New York.