For decades the focus of neuroscience was on neurons, but as research techniques and technology progresses we are beginning to understand the brain as never before. The importance of neurons cannot be downplayed, and yet scientists are coming to realise that there are many other elements involved in brain development. Cilia are slender, hair-like organelles…
Neuronal Behaviour in Learning and Memory May Be Influenced by Glial Cells
Are neurons all they’re cracked up to be? For decades, we have believed the neuron to be the king of all cells. Neurons are grown at a rate of 250,000 cells per minute in utero, culminating in a fully grown brain with 100 billion neurons, and over 100 trillion neuronal connections. This is more than all…
Glioblastoma: Jessica’s Story (Guest Post)
Hello, my name is Jessica. Who am I? I am a mother of 2 young boys, under 5, but this isn’t about them. I’m just a proud mother. I’ll be 30 this year, and, unfortunately, on top of all that I have brain cancer. A grade IV glioblastoma to be exact. What were my symptoms?…
Cancer Factsheet: Glioblastoma and the Need for Targeted Cancer Therapies
What is Glioblastoma? Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive form of brain tumour. It is an extremely fast-growing cancer which has no known cure. Glioblastomas are named for the cells they form in; glial cells. Though the brain is best known for having billions of neurons, 90% of brain matter is made from glial…
JonJivan Creates Spreadsheet Tracking Son’s First Words – the Graphs are Fascinating
We all know that kids are pretty amazing. I mean, they might be snotty balls of tears and screaming, but they literally have to learn EVERYTHING and they actually succeed! Arguably, one of the most important skills a child must learn is language. It is one of the most complicated and poorly-understood elements of our modern…
Gingernut's Science Dunk 