Glia are brain cells that have traditionally been believed to play supportive roles to neurons, their more glamorous cousins. However, new research is beginning to suggest that their function is more complex, even extending to information processing. This is information that both neurobiologists and computer scientists are ready to take advantage of, as Sukanya explores in this article.

In a recently published study, Sridharan et al. developed a model that explains why it is that when superior colliculus in the brain goes offline, that the ability to use incoming sensory information to make behavioural decisions is severely compromised.

People from all walks of life are contributing to science. They volunteer to join forces with researchers to help in collecting vital scientific data, analyzing large volumes of data and answering important scientific questions. This trend is gaining popularity in India, with several new initiatives being launched to drum up public involvement in scientific endeavors.