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This swirling galaxy is made up of astrocytes – star-shaped cells found in the brain. For a long time they were thought to be little more than biological glue, holding together the apparently far more interesting and important neurons. But scientists are discovering that there’s much more to these unassuming cells than a mere supporting role. As well as providing essential physical support for structures in the brain, astrocytes are responsible for controlling patterns of blood flow in the brain and providing vital nutrients to nerve cells. They also act as cellular ‘gardeners’, snipping away unwanted connections (synapses) between neurons and making sure they’re wired up correctly, and play a far more important role in thinking and cognition than previously believed. While most research into neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia have focused on neurons, it’s becoming clear that these overlooked astrocytes also play an important role in maintaining a healthy brain.

Written by Kat Arney

Kat Arney

Writer

Dr Kat Arney is an award-winning science writer, broadcaster and public speaker, and is the founder and Creative Director of First Create The Media.

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• Image by Paolo d'Errico
• This image is a finalist in the International Images for Science 2017 exhibition, organised by the Royal Photographic Society and supported by Siemens as part of the Curiosity Project
• Image copyright held by the photographer