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  • RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT

Microscopic sensors reveal the brain’s chemical chatter

Devices detect dopamine as it ripples from one neuron to others nearby.
Immunofluorescent light micrograph of brain cells from the cortex of a mammalian brain

Neurons (above) release the signalling molecule dopamine, which can be detected by sensors in brain tissue. Credit: Nancy Kedersha/SPL

Tiny brain sensors can detect split-second changes in the levels of a key signalling molecule as it spreads to and influences an array of neurons.

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Nature 571, 301 (2019)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-019-02153-y

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