Identification of direct connections between the dura and the brain. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38326613/)

These scientists wanted to understand how different parts of our body communicate with each other. They focused on a specific barrier called the arachnoid barrier, which separates the central nervous system (our brain and spinal cord) from a protective layer called the dura mater.

The scientists used special tools to study the genes and molecules in this area. They also created special mice that had certain structures called arachnoid cuff exit (ACE) points. These ACE points are like little openings that allow fluids and molecules to move between the central nervous system and the dura mater.

To see if these ACE points are important for communication in humans too, the scientists took pictures of people's brains using a special machine called a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. They found that certain substances can travel along similar structures in the human brain, just like in the mice.

The scientists also discovered that when our body has inflammation in the brain, like during a sickness called experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, these ACE points become even more important. They allow immune cells to enter the brain and help fight the inflammation.

Overall, this study shows that these ACE points are like little bridges that help different parts of our body talk to each other. They are important for our brain's health and immune system.

Smyth LCD., Xu D., Okar SV., Dykstra T., Rustenhoven J., Papadopoulos Z., Bhasiin K., Kim MW., Drieu A., Mamuladze T., Blackburn S., Gu X., Gaitan MI., Nair G., Storck SE., Du S., White MA., Bayguinov P., Smirnov I., Dikranian K., Reich DS., Kipnis J. Identification of direct connections between the dura and the brain. Nature. 2024 Feb 7. doi: 10.1038/s41586-023-06993-7.