Speed of Brain-Cell Chatter Clocked for First Time

SEM of neuron — Most neurons have three parts: an axon, a cell body called a soma and dendrites. This scanning electron microscope (SEM) image shows a soma with dendrites (and their spines) radiating from it. To create SEM images, a beam of electrons is scanned across the surface of a sample, and a detector keeps track of electrons bouncing off its surface to reveal the specimen's outer shape.

(Image credit: Thomas Deerinck and Mark Ellisman, 2009.)

All of our thoughts, feelings and actions rely on chemicals in our brains, which allow brain cells to talk to each other. New research indicates that it only takes a few seconds for brain cells to recollect and reuse these chemicals, which allows them endless quick communication.

Neurons talk to each other through a space called a synapse between their cell coverings called membranes. The signal-sending neuron releases chemicals, called neurotransmitters, into this space.

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The researchers collected neurons from mice and experimented with them in lab dishes. They tagged the cells' neurotransmitters with a fluorescent protein that glows in the synapse and turns off in the cell. On average, it takes about five seconds for the cells to collect up the neurotransmitters and this timeframe didn't vary much between a cell's different synapses. However, different neurons did vary a lot in their speediness, up to about fourfold, the researchers said.

Jennifer Welsh is a Connecticut-based science writer and editor and a regular contributor to Live Science. She also has several years of bench work in cancer research and anti-viral drug discovery under her belt. She has previously written for Science News, VerywellHealth, The Scientist, Discover Magazine, WIRED Science, and Business Insider.