текст: THE ROSEHIP NEURONE A New Type of Brain CellScientists have learned much about the human brain from studying the brains ofrodents, like mice, as they are remarkably similar to our own. However, an excitingdiscovery has cast doubt on the extent of this simllarity, and, consequently, on theusefulness of rodent models of human brain functioning.Discovering and understanding the rosehip neurone deeper understanding of the role of this new type of brain cellResearchers in Hungary and America had been independently Since rosehip neurones are one type of inhibitory neurone, theystudying the human brain when they both discovered a new type must be involved in slowing down the speed of the electricalof brain cell The Hungarian research group had been recording signals from neighbouring cells. Additionally, rosehip neuronesthe electrical activity of the brain's Inhibitory neurones. These are comprised only about 10-15% of the inhibitory neurones studiedspecial cells that regulate the speed of electrical signals in the and connected only to certain brain cells, leading researchers tobrain, ensuring a healthy balance of electrical activity. Over time, conclude that their inhibitory function is very targeted.they began noticing cells with a distinctive shape that must have Why are they important?been formed by the densely-packed network of nerve fibres Scientists believe these newly-discovered neurones have thearound the cell's centre. The shape is supposed to have reminded potential to provide answers to questions that have long troubledthem of a rose after its petals have dropped, so they named these the medical and scientific communities. For instance, sincecells "rosehip neurones" Meanwhile, in Seattle, Washington, documentation of the genetic and structural properties of rosehipscientists had also detected these cells using a new techniqueneurones has begun, scientists can begin exploring whetherthat allowed them to identify active genes in brain cells. Despite dysfunctionin these neurones causes certain brain diseases ortheir different methodological approaches, both research groups mental illnesses. Furthermore, rosehip neurones may well behad stumbled upon the same incredible discoveryOnce they became aware of this fact, the scientists could have factors underlying the superior cognitive abilities of humans. Tounique to humans. If so, their presence might be one of thecontinued their research independently, but they decided to date, these cells have not been observed in any other animalcollaborate in order to better understand these unique cells. They species, though future research might uncover them in otherobtained cells from the brains of two deceased men who had primates. However, since rosehip neurones do not exist in thedonated their bodies to science and continued examining these rodent brain, scientists may need to disregard the idea that theneurones from different angles. Whereas the Hungarian team human brain is merely a larger, more complex version of theexamined the shape and electrical features of rosehip neurones, rodent brainthe American scientists looked at their genetic characteristicsWhat do rosehip neurones do?Check these wordsWhile the precise function of rosehip neurones is still unclear, inhibitory neurone, regulate, densely-packed, this research collaboration has provided the first steps towards aactive genes, dysfunction, cognitive abilities​