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Brainless Embryos Suggest Bioelectricity Guides Growth

The Quanta Podcast

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The Effect of Bioelectricity on the Development of the Brain

Researchers used bioelectricity to mimic the effect of a brain. They expressed an ion channel called HCN2, which is sensitive to cells resting potential. The scientists found that this procedure rescued the brainless tadpoles from most of the usual defects. But one expert says it's crucial to repeat the experiment in other organisms, including mammals.

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