Biology Discoveries

Demonstration that new neurons are generated in the adult human hippocampus, overturning the century-old dogma that the adult brain cannot produce new nerve cells.

Discovery of neurons in the macaque premotor cortex that fire both when performing an action and when observing the same action performed by another.

Experimental proof that nerve impulses are transmitted chemically across synapses, through the isolation of acetylcholine (originally called 'Vagusstoff').

Establishment that the nervous system is composed of discrete cells (neurons) rather than a continuous network, using Golgi staining and microscopy.