University conference to study brain cells
Neuro-scientists from around the world are gathering at the University of Portsmouth this week.
More than 80 of the world's leading specialists are attending a conference to share knowledge about the latest developments in brain cell research.
It's the first time the university has hosted the annual conference of the Anatomical Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
At the conference, scientists will focus on research into the interaction between the two different types of cells in the brain.
The brain contains two kinds of cell: nerve cells that transmit information, and glial cells which were always thought to be simply the packing around the important parts of the brain.
Recent research reveals that glial cells could hold crucial discoveries about some of the world's currently incurable brain diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's and brain tumours.
Professor Arthur Butt said: 'It's staggering that glial cells are so important yet we know so little about them.
'Most people haven't even heard of them and many neurologists are often unaware of their importance.
'With further dedicated research I'm very hopeful that we can make some ground- breaking discoveries into the causes of brain disease.'
The University of Portsmouth boasts the UK's first brain tumour research centre.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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