‘Silent’ cells play a surprising role in how brains work

The findings open new possibilities for therapies aimed at certain mental illnesses

A digital illustration of an astrocyte shows a bright orange and pink cell on a dark blue background, with lots of thin blue tendrils spanning outward.

Astrocytes, with their long-ranging tendrils that cover lots of territory across the brain, can influence neurons profoundly, a trio of studies suggests.

JUAN GAERTNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images

Brain cells named for stars are finally getting their time to shine.