Gardening in the brain: Cells called microglia prune the connections between neurons, shaping how the brain is wired
Thursday, July 21, 2011 - 15:31
in Biology & Nature
Gardeners know that some trees require regular pruning: some of their branches have to be cut so that others can grow stronger. The same is true of the developing brain: cells called microglia prune the connections between neurons, shaping how the brain is wired, scientists have discovered. The findings could one day help understand neurodevelopmental disorders like autism.