Human brains (and the brains of other vertebrates) are able to process information faster because of myelin, a fatty substance that forms a protective sheath over the axons of our nerve cells and ...

Scientists offer new insight into how the body detects light touch and how disruptions in that process may contribute to sensory disorders.

How well our brain functions depends heavily on the performance of our nerve cells. That is why they are regularly checked for their proper function -- defective cell components are marked, disposed ...

Medically reviewed by Patricia Mikula, PharmD Key Takeaways Vitamin B6 supports brain health, energy metabolism, immune ...

When the longest cells in the body are injured at their farthest reaches, coordinating the cells’ repair is no easy task. This is in part because these peripheral nerve cells can be extremely long – ...

As we age, the composition and function of proteins in the brain change, affecting how well our brain performs later in life—influencing memory, responsiveness, and the risk of neurodegenerative ...

The Institute’s president and molecular biologist is captivated by solving the mysteries behind the aging process and the extended lifespan of humans. Hetzer is fascinated by the biological puzzles ...

Most human nerve cells last a lifetime without renewal. A trait echoed within the cells' components, some enduring as long as the organism itself. Most human nerve cells last a lifetime without ...