Scientists have traced the first time the work of living nerve cells in the mouse brain

German biologists have been able to trace the work of living nerve cells in the mouse brain, adapted for this purpose one of the new techniques of observation - the forced easing microscopy studies (STED), which allowed them to study the formation and decay of the smallest elements of neurons - the so -called dendritic spines.

Technique and its preliminary conclusions team led by Stefan Halley from the Institute of Biophysical Chemistry at the Max Planck Society in Goettingen (Germany ) has published an article in the journal Science, said. RIA Novosti.
Today there are many ways to observe the work of the brain of animals at the level of individual cells, without interfering in their work. As a rule, the scientists inserted a gene into neurons of several genes that cause them to produce proteins, which glow when irradiated by laser. As a rule, the resolution of these observations, limited to half the wavelength of visible light - 200-300 nm.
Kjell and his colleagues used a relatively new technique - STED- microscopy, which allows the theory to achieve ultra-high resolution - 5.6 nm. This method is a logical continuation of the ... Under this method, cells are irradiated by laser is not one but twice.
As the scientists explain, the primary radiation pulse excites the molecules of luminous matter in the cell itself and the surrounding area. Then the edges of the light spot are processed by another pulse of radiation, which causes the protein chain ... This method allows you to bypass the restrictions that are imposed wavelengths of light: in the final image are illuminated only ...
According to researchers, allowing them to achieve the highest resolution of today - 70 nm per pixel. To test the invention, the scientists have traced the activity of neurons in the parietal lobe of the brain mouse, where the centers of touch and spatial orientation.
In his experiment, biologists have used six mice, neurons are isolated yellow fluorescence protein. To monitor the work of the brain are put to sleep rodents drilled a hole in the skull and placed them into the experimental microscope.
High resolution has enabled scientists to examine dendritic spines, and other elements of the smallest neurons. Observations have shown that spines do not have a permanent structure and regular change shape, grow or disappear in a few minutes or an hour.
Scientists believe that their technique can be used to monitor the work of the neurons in the brains of young rodents to study the effects of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Earlier it was reported that the research team from the Swiss city of Geneva University of instantly cured mice addicts by directing a laser beam to the area of the brain of animals, responsible for drug addiction.