A brain jiggle points to neuronal identity

"THIS IS MY HEARTBEAT SONG." — KELLY CLARKSON (COURTESY MOSHER ET AL, CELL REPORTS)

Scientists have started to glean more information about the different types of neurons in the brain thanks to the slight pulsing of the brain every time the heart pumps. They made their discovery by studying neuronal activity recorded by electrodes, which had been implanted into patients who were already undergoing brain surgery and agreed to participate in the research. The researchers initially thought that the neurons’ firing patterns were changing with every heartbeat, but ultimately determined that the slight shift in the brain was creating that impression. Tracking the activity of a neuron as it jiggles locations could provide better insight into its particular role.