The Brain's Green Thumb

Perederiy, et al. The Journal of Neuroscience 2013.

Although the birth of new brain cells throughout the lifetime is limited to only a few areas of the brain, these cells may hold key information about how the brain adapts following injury or disease. The above image displays the growth of new neurons (green) in the mouse hippocampus three weeks after an injury partially severed connections in this area. Studying how new cells connect with existing brain regions may provide insight into how they might be able to serve as replacements for damaged or dying neurons in people with neurological diseases or injury.

About the Author

Michael W. Richardson

Michael W. Richardson is a writer and editor based in Brooklyn, New York, covering topics ranging from the brain and behavior to the environment.