New Discovery in Mouse Brains

Introduction

Scientists studied the brains of mice. They found a new network of cells. These cells are called astrocytes. These cells connect different parts of the brain.

Main Body

People thought only neurons sent messages in the brain. But these astrocytes also send messages. The scientists used a special light and a special dye to see the cells. They saw that astrocytes form long chains. These chains link far parts of the brain. The cells can change. For example, the scientists cut the whiskers of the mice. Then, the astrocyte network became smaller. These cells help the brain. They move food and energy to other cells. The scientists tested this with different mice. They proved that the cells use small holes to move things.

Conclusion

This study changes how we see the brain. It shows that different parts of the brain are connected. Now, scientists must think about the brain in a new way.

Vocabulary Learning

cells
the smallest units of living things細胞
Example:They found a new network of cells in the brain.
change
to become different改變
Example:The astrocyte network became smaller after the whiskers were cut.
connect
to join or link things together連接
Example:These cells connect different parts of the brain.
send
to cause something to go from one place to another發送
Example:Astrocytes send messages in the brain.
studied
to learn or examine something carefully研究
Example:The scientists studied the brains of mice.