"Non-neuronal Cells Generating Brain Electricity: A Surprising Discovery"

Astrocytes, a type of glial cell in the brain, have long been thought to only serve supportive roles and not propagate electrical signals like neurons. However, a new study published in Nature presents evidence that certain astrocytes, called glutamatergic astrocytes, can indeed signal by releasing glutamate, a neurotransmitter. The study used genetic data and imaging techniques to demonstrate that these astrocytes have the cellular machinery to use glutamate in a similar way to neurons. This discovery challenges the traditional understanding of brain communication and raises new questions about the role of astrocytes in brain function.