Cluster Neuron Formation Studies

Researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, were able to study the formation of new neuron clusters that developed through learning a motor skill. In their particular study genetically altered mice, which had fluorescent proteins within particular neurons in their brains, allowed the researchers to study the mice before, during, and after they performed different tasks.

The development was first measured while the mice learned to reach through a slot in order to get to their food. They discovered that often times new clusters of neurons formed next to previously formed neuron clusters. They also discovered that the primary neuron which the new neuron grew close to also grew in size in order to accommodate for the newly formed clusters. Both of these discoveries showed that neurons form as a connection with primary neurons.

They performed another study on the mice where they trained the mice to perform one task and then required them to learn multiple different tasks immediately after. This technique helped them to map where exactly particular skills caused development in the brain. They found that repetition of the same circuit of tasks enabled greater neuron cluster development, thus allowing them to conclude that repetition of different motor skill circuits in the best way to encourage new neuron development in the motor cortex.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120219143214.htm