Think Fast: How Myelin Powers Your Mind

This discussion will be led by Dr. Cody Call, a postdoctoral researcher at the Vollum Institute studying the mechanisms of myelin formation in the central nervous system.

Join us for an illuminating exploration of myelin - the extraordinary fatty substance that enables our brains to function at remarkable speeds. Every thought, movement, and sensation depends on electrical signals racing through our nervous system at speeds of up to 120 meters per second. This incredible feat is made possible by myelin, which wraps around our nerve fibers in an intricate spiral structure, creating the distinctive white matter of our brains. But how does this remarkable material work? Far from being mere insulation, myelin is now understood to be a dynamic, adaptable component of the nervous system that plays a central role in learning, development, and neurological health.

We will delve into several fascinating topics, including:
The hidden efficiency of myelin: how insulation cuts neural energy costs
The evolutionary emergence of myelin: from simple membrane wrapping to complex insulation
Synchrony in the brain: how speed and timing are finely tuned for optimal function
The surprising discovery that myelin continues to form throughout our lives, particularly when we learn new skills

Resources to fuel your curiosity:
Some basic descriptions of myelin structure and function:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myelin
https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/myelin-a-specialized-membrane-for-cell-communication-14367205/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27780071/

Some technical reviews of recent research directions in myelin:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33046886/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38773349/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30510502/

For those interested in the evolution of myelin (also fairly technical):
https://www1.pbrc.hawaii.edu/~danh/MyelinEvolution/