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- News from the Institutes
Two Brain Areas Compete for Control
The locus coeruleus and the ventral tegmental area compete for control over the formation of memory content
14.03.2025
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- Glossary
Plasticity
The term neuroplasticity describes the ability of synapses, nerve cells, and entire areas of the brain to change structurally and functionally depending on the degree to which they are used. Synaptic plasticity refers to the adaptation of the signal transmission strength of synapses to the frequency and intensity of incoming stimuli, for example in the form of long-term potentiation or depression. In addition, the size, interconnection, and activity patterns of different areas of the brain also change depending on their use. This phenomenon is referred to as cortical plasticity when it specifically affects the cortex.
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- News from the Institutes
Protective Brain Immune Cell State Discovered
Discovery points to a potential new therapeutic pathway for Alzheimer’s disease
05.11.2025
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- Diseases
- Successful aging
Molecular Detectives
We are our memories. But neural firing alone cannot unravel the traces of memory.
01.02.2026
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- Basics
- The Developing Brain
The invisible Bond
Emotional bond – the essential connection between children and parents.
18.03.2026
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- Discover
- The Fly
Learning on a Pinhead
When it comes to learning, fruit flies are true masters of association.
19.01.2026
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- Basics
- The Developing Brain
Where on Earth did She get that from?
Nature or nurture – which has a greater influence on our children?
18.03.2026
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- Act
- Motor Skills
Learn to Juggle: Train your Brain
The brain changes depending on the demands placed on it—for example, juggling. Join in!
30.08.2011
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- Topic
Motor Skills
Without movement, life is meaningless. We are made for it, from head to toe.
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- Glossary
Dendritic spines
Mushroom- or button-shaped protrusions on dendrites, at the tip of which there is usually a synapse, which is the site of communication between two nerve cells. The spines increase the surface area of dendrites, which thus have space for additional synapses. They play an important role in synaptic plasticity. The dendritic spines can swell and shrink depending on activation.
