Astrocytes, Not Just Neurons, Found to Steer Brain’s Alertness Wiring

St. Louis, Missouri, USA: Neuroscientists at Washington University discovered astrocytes—glial cells historically seen as mere support—play a key role in regulating alertness. When norepinephrine (the “attention” chemical) surges, astrocytes detect it first, then modulate synaptic connections among neurons. Published in Science, the findings rewrite the traditional neuron-centric view of how brain states like vigilance and focus form. The research could spur therapies targeting astrocytes for conditions like ADHD or PTSD, potentially refining how we treat attention disorders.