Scientists find hidden synapse hotspots in the teen brain: Study
Summary
Scientists discovered that the adolescent brain forms dense new synapse clusters in specific neuron parts, challenging previous beliefs about synaptic pruning and suggesting implications for schizophrenia.
Key Points
- Scientists found that the adolescent brain actively builds dense synapse clusters in specific parts of neurons, not just pruning old connections.
- These synapse hotspots emerge during adolescence and may influence higher-level thinking and brain function.
- Disruption in forming these synapses during adolescence may contribute to conditions like schizophrenia.
- The study used advanced microscopy and tissue clearing techniques to map synaptic changes in mice brain Layer 5 neurons.
- Researchers highlight the need to reconsider the traditional 'synaptic pruning' hypothesis in adolescent brain development.
