Abstract Synapses are minuscule, intricate structures crucial for the correct communication between neurons. In the 125 years since the term synapse was first coined, we have advanced a long way when it comes to our understanding of how they work and what they do. Most of the fundamental discoveries have been invariably linked to advances in technology. However, due to their size, delicate structural integrity and their sheer number, our knowledge of synaptic biology has remained somewhat elusive and their role in neurodegenerative diseases still remains largely unknown. Here, we briefly discuss some of the imaging technologies used to study synapses and focus on the utility of the high-resolution imaging technique array tomography (AT). We introduce the AT technique and highlight some of the ways it is utilised with a particular focus on its power for analysing synaptic composition and pathology in human post-mortem tissue. We also discuss some of the benefits and drawbacks of techniques for imaging synapses and highlight some recent advances in the study of form and function by combining physiology and high-resolution synaptic imaging.

https://portlandpress.com/neuronalsignal/article-pdf/doi/10.1042/NS20220013/936871/ns-2022-0013c.pdf

Array tomography: 15 years of synaptic analysis

Our editor discusses brain resilience and how it can be harnessed to prevent diseases that cause dementia.

Your brain is amazing: Let’s keep it that way

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbd.2023.105991

Neurogranin in Alzheimer's disease and ageing: A human post-mortem study

Reeling from news that reelin defends the brain against Alzheimer's.

It remains unclear why age increases risk of Alzheimer's disease and why some people experience age‐related cognitive decline in the absence of dementia. Here we test the hypothesis that resilience to molecular changes in synapses contribute to healthy cognitive ageing.

Ciaran Gunn

Papers

Synaptic resilience is associated with maintained cognition during ageing

Neurogranin in Alzheimer's disease and ageing: A human post-mortem study