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

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St. Louis, Missouri, USA

May 17, 2025 (Updated: February 13, 2026) 1 Center Neutral I want higher education or upskilling

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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.

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What this means for you:

•	Attention and alertness may rely on glial cell health—lifestyle factors affecting astrocyte function could improve focus
•	Future ADHD drugs or PTSD therapies might focus on astrocytes, possibly offering fewer side effects than neuron-targeted treatments
•	This discovery changes textbook neuroscience—glial cells now stand center stage in brain-state regulation

Key Entities

• Astrocytes: Star-shaped glial cells, once deemed support cells, now shown to orchestrate alertness
• Norepinephrine: A neuromodulator crucial for attention, stress response
• Washington University (Dr. Thomas Papouin): Leading the study

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