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- Glossary
Multiple sclerosis
A common neurological disease that predominantly occurs in young adults. For reasons that are still unclear, the body's own cells attack and destroy the myelin sheaths of nerve cells. This can happen throughout the central nervous system, which is why two different multiple sclerosis patients can suffer from very different symptoms. Common symptoms include visual disturbances, numbness in the arms and legs, but also coordination problems, muscle weakness, and bladder problems.
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- Glossary
Sensory neuron
A sensory neuron is a specialized nerve cell that perceives stimuli – for example, chemical (sweet), visual (bright), or acoustic (loud) – and transmits the information to the central nervous system.
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- Glossary
Temporo-parietal junction
The transition between the temporal and parietal lobes – i.e., the temporal and parietal lobes – of the cerebral cortex. Here, in the posterior region of the Sylvian fissure, information from the limbic system, the thalamus, and the visual, auditory, and somatosensory cortex is integrated. Accordingly, the temporo-parietal junction forms an anatomical and functional hub of the brain that helps us develop complex abilities, including the ability to recognize biological movement or the ability to empathize with other people.
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- Glossary
Parvocellular
"Parvus" means "small." In the lateral geniculate nucleus, the switching station for visual stimuli in the thalamus, the outer four layers are called parvocellular because, unlike the magnocellular cell layers, they have small cell bodies. The parvocellular system transmits information for the perception of color and fine details.
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- Glossary
Adaptation
Adaptation refers to the process by which the sensory organs, the perceptual system, or the entire organism adjusts to the intensity and quality of stimuli and to changes in environmental conditions. In visual adaptation, for example, the pupil and the sensitivity of the photoreceptors regulate themselves according to the prevailing light conditions.
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- News from the Institutes
Controlling prostheses with the power of thought
How research into movement planning in the brain is helping to advance the development of neuroprostheses
20.10.2025
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- Basics
- The Developing Brain
Children in the Lab
Brain research. It’s not easy to conduct. Especially when it comes to young children.
18.03.2026
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- Diseases
- Multiple sclerosis
MS under the microscope
MS: Damage to the axon causes a wide variety of symptoms
15.08.2025
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- News from the Institutes
Insight into schizophrenia disease mechanisms found in the eye
Impaired neuronal connectivity in the retina
17.02.2025
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- Percieve
- Hearing
Hearing – more than just Sound and Vibration
The brain creates a colorful world of sounds from minimal acoustic input.
17.10.2025
