Tel Aviv: Glia cells, derived from the Greek word for glue, hold the brain`s neurons (cells) together and protect the cells that determine our thoughts and behaviours.
Researchers say that glia cells, which had long puzzled scientists, are central to the brain`s adaptability, learning and information storage.
Actually, glia cells do much more than hold the brain together, says doctoral student Maurizio De Pittà of Tel Aviv University (TAU) Schools of Physics and Astronomy and Electrical Engineering. A mechanism within the glia cells also sorts information for learning purposes, the journal Public Library of Science reports.
"Glia cells are like the brain`s supervisors. By regulating the synapses (junctions of nerve cells), they control the transfer of information between neurons, affecting how the brain processes information and learns," De Pitta adds, according to a Tel Aviv statement.
De Pittà`s research, supervised by Eshel Ben-Jacob, along with Vladislav Volman of the Salk Institute and the University of California-San Diego and Hugues Berry of the Universite de Lyon in France, has developed the first computer model that incorporates the influence of glia cells on synaptic information transfer.
The model can also be implemented in technologies based on brain networks such as microchips and computer software, says Ben-Jacob says, a professor and aid in research on brain disorders such as Alzheimer`s disease and epilepsy.
IANS
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Cookies Setting
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device and the processing of information obtained via those cookies (including about your preferences, device and online activity) by us and our commercial partners to enhance site navigation, personalise ads, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. More information can be found in our Cookies and Privacy Policy. You can amend your cookie settings to reject non-essential cookies by clicking Cookie Settings below.
Manage Consent Preferences
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work or you may not be able to login.
Functional Cookies
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly.
Targeting Cookies
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advert as well as help measure the effectiveness of an advertising campaign. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
Performance Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we may not know when you have visited our site, and may not be able to monitor its performance.