Published in Nature Neuroscience · View the paper (DOI)
A new study reveals that the arm-like structures of mammalian brain cells, known as axons, are actually pear-shaped and not cylindrical tubes. The research team used high-pressure freezing electron microscopy to visualize the axons' structure, showing that they have a bubbly, pearl-like shape.
Coverage from 2 institutions
- Study may reverse century-old understanding of the shape of ‘arms’ on mammals’ brain cells Johns Hopkins Medicine · Dec 2, 2024 · first to report
- A string of pearls: Study challenges long-held beliefs about shape, functioning of nerve cells Marine Biological Laboratory · Dec 5, 2024