Nearly a century after the discovery of strange star-shaped cells in the brain, scientists say they have finally begun to
unravel their function.
Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology report in
Science that it appears astrocytes - named for their stellar form - provide nerve cells (neurons) with the energy they need to function and communicate with one another, by
signaling blood to deliver the cell fuels glucose and oxygen to them.
When astrocytes were first discovered, it was believed that they were
bit players in the brain. But the new research indicates they may actually be major operators that, when out of whack, may help trigger mental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
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©ISTOCKPHOTO/ANGELHELL
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FORGOTTEN CELLS: Researchers have finally seen star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes in action, delivering blood to neurons and helping to tune their activity.
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Comment: Note that though the titles are completely different, both articles basically say that even if there was some progress, there is still work to be done. What is then the reason behind the contrasting wording? Could it again be money and politics?