A defining feature of brain cells or neurons is their ability to communicate over vast distances and in rapid time. Given the complexities of neuroscience as a whole, the study of their specialized connections is equally as multifaceted. These specialized connections, called synapses, are formed in a still unclear process of signaling and recruiting many proteins. Synapses and their ability to change are thought to be a key reason why brains can change so extensively over life. Unsurprisingly, changes in synapses are seen in different types of brains. For example, the degradation of synapses is a hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s Disease, while differences in the number and function of synapses are seen in neurodivergent conditions such as Autism. Come along and learn about those special connections we all have in our brains called synapses!

Wesley Tierney (M.S.) is currently a PhD candidate in Neuroscience at Arizona State University. He studies the mechanisms of Herpes Simplex Virus infection of neurons. He has worked in various research labs for seven years ranging from social psychology, entomology, regenerative medicine, virology, and neuroscience.