Elena Renken

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    New Fish Data Reveal How Evolutionary Bursts Create Species

    In three bursts of adaptive change, one species of cichlid fish in Lake Tanganyika gave rise to hundreds.

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    Brain Cell DNA Refolds Itself to Aid Memory Recall

    Researchers see structural changes in genetic material that allow memories to strengthen when remembered.

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    Glial Brain Cells, Long in Neurons’ Shadow, Reveal Hidden Powers

    The glial cells of the nervous system have been eclipsed in importance by neurons for decades. But glia are turning out to be central to many neurological functions, including pain perception.

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    Sleeping Brain Waves Draw a Healthy Bath for Neurons

    An organized tide of brain waves, blood and spinal fluid pulsing through a sleeping brain may flush away neural toxins that cause Alzheimer’s and other diseases.

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    Perceptions of Musical Octaves Are Learned, Not Wired in the Brain

    Singing experiments with residents of the Bolivian rainforest demonstrate how biology and experience shape the way we hear music.