MIT research finds ’noisiest’ neurons persist in the adult brain

MIT - MIT Neurons genetically rendered hyperactive (red) survive better than normal neurons (green). Traces at bottom of the image show the electrical activity of genetically-manipulated neurons (red trace) and normal neurons (green trace). CAMBRIDGE, Mass. MIT neuroscientists have discovered that when it comes to new neurons in the adult brain, the squeakiest wheels get the grease. “Before, scientists believed the cells with the most accurate performance were selected and the others were rejected,” said Picower Institute for Learning and Memory researcher Carlos Lois. “Our study shows that it doesn’t matter what the cells are doing, as long as they are doing something, even if it is wrong. It’s like musicians being chosen in an audition based not on how well they play, but how loudly.