Brain activity is a balancing act — some brain cells are tasked with keeping others in check. This image of brain neurons cultured from a mouse shows this interaction: the “inhibitory” neuron (blue) sends signals that can prevent the “excitatory” neuron (red) from firing. Studying these inhibitory neurons in a dish could reveal important clues about how they regulate the activity of more complex brain circuits.
Alexis Wnuk
Alexis is the science writer and editor for BrainFacts.org. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2012 with degrees in neuroscience and English.
BrainFacts/SfN
Popular articles on BrainFacts.org