switch in epileptic mice tagged posts

Fluorescence in the brain of a living mouse: The emanating beams of light can be measured through the top of the skulls. The degree of fluorescence is reflected through colors, whereby the intensity decreases from red to violet. Credit: © Image: Karen von Loo/Laboratory of Albert Becker

If they blocked a central switch in epileptic mice, the frequency and severity of the seizures decreased. Using a novel technology, it was possible to observe the processes prior to the occurrence of epileptic seizures in living animals. About 1 of 20 people in the course of his or her life suffers an epileptic attack, during which the nerve cells get out of their usual rhythm and fire in a very rapid frequency. This results in seizures...