Brain Cells and Blood Vessels: A Look at Giorgio's Work
The Early Discoveries
Ever wondered how brain cells and blood vessels team up?
- 1870: Camillo Golgi noticed something special about astrocytes and blood vessels.
- 1895: Santiago Ramon y Cajal suggested that astrocytes play a big role in controlling blood flow in the brain.
The Breakthrough
Fast forward to 2003, Giorgio Carmignoto, Micaela Zonta, Tullio Pozzan, and their team made a big discovery.
Astrocytes use calcium signals to tell blood vessels to widen. This helps more blood flow to active parts of the brain.
Pretty cool, right?
Celebrating Giorgio's Work
Giorgio's work is being celebrated in a special collection of papers. These papers show how he worked with many people, believing that teamwork is key in science.
- Friends and colleagues share stories and new findings about astrocytes and their many jobs in the brain.
The Unsung Heroes of the Brain
Astrocytes are like the brain's helpers. They don't get as much attention as neurons, but they are super important.
- Repairing the brain
- Keeping it clean
- Forming new connections
Giorgio's work shows just how crucial astrocytes are.
A Tribute to Giorgio's Career
This collection of papers is a tribute to Giorgio's career. It shows how his work has inspired many people. It also highlights the importance of collaboration in science.
So, next time you think about the brain, remember the tiny helpers called astrocytes and the scientist who studied them.