Neuroscientists
Coverage of Neuroscientists in the Nexus archive.
- The brain’s code seems to be in constant flux. Neuroscientists are baffled
Neuroscientists are baffled by the brain's code being in constant flux, with neurons firing more erratically than previously thought. This discovery challenges current understanding of how the brain works. Further research is needed to understand the implications.
- MIT scientists discover millions of “silent synapses” in the adult brain
MIT neuroscientists have discovered millions of dormant connections in the adult brain, known as silent synapses, which can be rapidly activated to form fresh memories. These inactive links make up about 30% of synapses in the adult cortex. The discovery challenges previous assumptions that silent synapses only exist in early development.
- Do octopus brains work like humans’ — or is there another way to be smart?
Cephalopods like octopuses and squid possess complex brains similar to vertebrates, prompting neuroscientists to study them for insights into the evolution of intelligence. Research published in Nature highlights their potential to reveal alternative pathways of cognitive development.