Cell Membrane and Anesthesia (IMAGE) Rockefeller University Press Caption This is a schematic of a lipid bilayer representing a simple cell membrane. A new study in The Journal of General Physiology shows that activity of ion channel proteins, which are important for cell-to-cell communication, is markedly reduced during anesthesia. Credit Dr. Olaf Andersen Usage Restrictions Reporters may freely use these materials in news coverage, with the appropriate credit information. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.