"The butterfly effect"- Image represents fluorescent micrograph of mouse spinal cord labeled for a group of neurons called motor neurons (labeled in yellow). The nuclei in the spinal cord have been labeled in blue. A distinguishing feature of these motor neurons is their ability to communicate with muscles throughout the body. The motor neurons accomplish this using a neurotransmitter acetylcholine which sends signals to muscle to contract. In essence the motor neurons even though in the spinal cord control muscle movement similar to a butterfly effect.

Creating connections is an essential part of life. Cells of the nervous system, called neurons, form structures called synapses in order to communicate. This communication is critical for life as we know it, allowing us to think, move, and sense. Yet, these connections are remarkably similar amongst different animals. Here, a neuron of a fruit fly (green) makes contact with a muscle, while microtubules (red, magenta) form elaborate branches that make up the infrastructure of the cell. Understanding the basics of these connections in the fruit fly allows us to draw parallels to the human brain to better understand disease.