Washington DC, May 16 -- An often-ignored type of cell in the brain plays a dynamic and surprisingly complex role in our ability to process information, according to new research from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).

The study, published today in the journal Science, provides direct evidence for the real-time action of a star-shaped type of glial cell, known as astrocytes, in the live brains of fruit flies

The abundant cell type -- roughly 35% of all cells in the human brain -- appears to be a key part of orchestrating a complex network governing brain function.

"We hope this begins to fundamentally change how the field thinks about astrocytes and their role in mediating neurophysiology and behaviour," said senior author Marc...