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Why study astrocytes?
1
Neurons and astrocytes are types of brains cells.
2
Learning
and
memory
3
Recent studies indicate that
learning and memory require
neurons and astrocytes to work
together.
Learning
and
memory
For a long time neurons were
thought to be the only cell
responsible for learning and
memory. Astrocytes were
considered to be just supporting
cells of neurons.
4
Learning
and
memory
If this is true, brains disorders
that exhibit dysfunction of memory
and learning, such as Alzheimer's disease and Schizophrenia, may be a result of abonormality in astrocytes.
5
Indeed, while research and treatments have focused on fixing neurons, accumulating evidence suggests astrocyte abonormality in brain disorders.
6
Astrocytes may hold the key to treating many brain disorders, however, compared to neurons, very little is known about
astrocytes.
7
Studying the physiology of astrocytes will potentially lead to breakthrough treatments.
Story and illustrations by Misa Arizono
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