Star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes are finally getting their chance to shine.
![Astrocytes (purple) and neurons (green) in the visual cortex of a ferret. The cells contain dyes that allow researchers to track calcium levels. When neurons are active, astrocytes respond with increased calcium, which leads nearby capillaries to increase blood flow. This is a previously undiscovered role for astrocytes, once thought to only act as support cells for neurons.](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/8333.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/8345.jpg?resize=300%2C237&ssl=1)
Two groups of researchers — one at MIT, the other at Harvard — have shown that astrocytes get the blood pumping to parts of the brain that are thinking hard. These cells may use blood flow and other tricks to rev up communication between neurons or slow it down, and may even play a role in storing information. The findings indicate that astrocytes are not just supporting actors for neurons; they deserve recognition as true costars.