In a significant scientific breakthrough, researchers from the University of Lausanne in Switzerland have reported the discovery of a novel type of brain cell, revealed in a study published in the journal Nature. This newfound cell exhibits characteristics that bridge the gap between neurons and astrocytes, the non-neuronal glial cells crucial for supporting and safeguarding neurons in the brain and spinal cord.
The researchers identified these hybrid cells within specific regions of the brain, in contrast to the usual dispersed distribution of astrocytes. Notably, these hybrid cells demonstrated the ability to produce the neurotransmitter glutamate, a key regulator of neuronal activity and excitation levels.
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