A Cellular Tree (IMAGE) University of Iowa Caption University of Iowa biologists have shown that neurons need exact gene matches to get the signal to grow dendrites, the branches in brain cells that help pass messages from the brain throughout the body. Left: An image of mouse neurons with developed, functioning dendrites (yellow and green), surrounded by other cells called astrocytes (in red). Lower right: A single neuron's nucleus (yellow spot) with dendrites (yellow tendrils). Upper right: Arrows showing sites of contact between a neuron's cell surface and an astrocyte. Middle right: the enlarged area of a neuron-dendritic network. Credit Joshua Weiner lab/University of Iowa Usage Restrictions None 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.