How are injury and illness monitored in the brain? And how can scientists diversify the bench?

How are injury and illness monitored in the brain? Once thought of as the glue of the brain, glia cells have been proven to play a key role in brain health with astrocytes acting as important messengers. These star-like cells are at the center of the research of Nathan A. Smith, PhD, associate dean for Equity & Inclusion for Research and Research Education and associate professor of Neuroscience at the University of Rochester Medical Center and School of Medicine, who joins John Foxe, PhD, director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester, on NeURoscience Perspectives. They explore Smith’s journey into science that started with the gift of a microscope from his mother, how research experience shaped his academic career, and why he
is steadfast on wearing two hats to transform the future of the field.