The microscopic image shows a nerve cell and a magnified view of the investigated synapses. Calcium was released at these sites using a UV flash, which triggered the release of the neurotransmitter.

Calcium is a very special nutrient. In the cells of most living beings calcium ions function as so-called second messengers to transmit important signals. The same applies equally to animal, plant and ...

Synaptic transmission is an energy hog. It requires neurons to tap ATP reserves to respond to incoming signals. How do they pull this off, thousands to millions of times per day? A new study ...