News in Brief Neuroscience

There’s no rest for the brain’s mapmakers

Grid cells that rats use for navigation remain active even during sleep, studies show

sleeping rats

DREAM MAP  The brain’s mapmaking grid cells keep doing their jobs, even as rats sleep, two new studies find.

Ukki Studio/Shutterstock

By Laura Sanders

- More than 2 years ago

The brain’s mapmakers don’t get a break, even for sleep. Grid cells, specialized nerve cells that help keep people and other animals oriented, stay on the clock 24/7, two preliminary studies on rats suggest.