Nathan Michaels, Ph.D.

About

Nathan Michaels is a neuroscientist and writer who writes about the interesting aspects of the brain and spinal cord that affect everyday life and disease. He completed his Ph.D. at the University of Calgary in Canada where he studied the relationship between aging and myelin injury. Prior to that, he researched the role oligodendrocytes—the cells in the brain and spinal cord that produce myelin—play after spinal cord injury. He has several publications in peer-reviewed journals and has presented his work in conferences all over the world. Keep up to date with his work at nathanjmichaels.com, find him on Twitter @NathanJMichael1, and on Instagram @nathanjmichaels.

Recent Posts

Does Myelin Contribute to Sex Differences in Depression?

Girls and women are disproportionately affected by depression. New research suggests that differences in myelin may contribute to the male-female depression divide.

The New Techniques Driving Psychiatric Research

Researchers are studying the biological basis of psychiatric illness at unprecedented resolution. The findings pave the way for new research avenues and more precise treatments.

A Clinical Trial Will Test Exercise for Multiple Sclerosis

Replacing lost myelin may delay or prevent disease progression. A new clinical trial will determine if exercise can be used as a treatment that generates new myelin.

How Brain Cells Communicate to Allow Humans to Adapt

Our species' immense capacity to adapt depends on cells in the brain communicating effectively with one another. This is how they do it.

The Dynamic Duo of the Nervous System

Part 2: Evolution has forged a relationship between two brain cells over millions of years. Without it, the intricate coordination necessary for our brain function wouldn't exist.

The Dynamic Duo of the Nervous System

Part 1: Millions of years ago, a relationship between two brain cells was forged—one that allowed our brain to become what it is, with all of its magnificence and vulnerabilities.

New Connections

New ways of thinking lead to new approaches to brain disorder and disease. Connections between brain regions is the latest in a long history of understanding brain function.

Your Brain on Music

Decades of research tell us of the benefits of being a musician. New studies are answering questions about who can benefit from musical training and how brain change is initiated.

How Does a Brain Develop Absence Epilepsy?

Abnormal neuron firing causes changes in white matter that may make the brain more prone to absence seizures over time.

Glia and the Other Type of Brain Plasticity

The brain adapts to experience in more ways than anyone ever thought. Non-neuronal cells called glia play an important role in this process.