Presented by Dr. Eric Newman, Neuroscientist at the University of Minnesota, given at the Bryant Lake Bowl on January 16th, 2018. The brain is composed of two types of cells, neurons, and glial cells. Neurons generate electrical signals and communicate with each other by releasing chemicals at synapses. Glial cells don’t do these things and, for the past century, were thought to be unimportant support cells. Recent experiments, however, have shown that glial cells actively participate in such essential brain functions as regulating synaptic signaling, forming new memories, and controlling the delivery of nutrients to active brain areas. Join us to learn about glial cells – the other brain. The Bell Museum's Café Scientifique is a happy hour exchange of ideas about science, environment and popular culture that features experts from a variety of fields on diverse and often provocative topics. In the Twin Cities area? Join us for our monthly Café! It runs September to May, 7 PM every third Tuesday of the month at the Bryant Lake Bowl: http://bryantlakebowl.wpengine.com/cabaret-theater/