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Uncovering the brain's biggest secret - Melanie E. Peffer

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TEDEd Animation

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In the 1860s, scientists believed they were on the verge of uncovering the brain’s biggest secret: how the brain’s signals travel through the body. They believed these impulses travelled uninterrupted along a massive web of tissue. But soon, a young artist would cut down this hypothesis, and sketch a bold new vision of how our brains work. Melanie Peffer details the discoveries of Golgi and Cajal.

What technique did scientists invent to help see cells under the microscope?

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Melanie E. Peffer
  • Director Igor Coric, Artrake Studio
  • Narrator Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Editorial Producer Dan Kwartler
  • Script Editor Emma Bryce
  • Fact-Checker Jennifer Nam

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