Building a Better Cell

Collin Edington and Iris Lee, MIT.

Neural stem cells have an amazing capacity for change – they can form into all the different types of cells that make up the brain and nervous system. Scientists placed the above stem cell (pictured in magenta) into a synthetic gel. After two weeks, the cell spouted a web of nerve fibers (pictured in green). Growing these cells artificially will help scientists study how the environment affects cell growth in the brain.

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.