This is the first time scientists h

This is the first time scientists have detected activity-dependent Mtss1L expression in single neurons. The gene is known to be involved in cerebellar synapse formation, and in this context was found to enhance the growth of dendritic spines, an action that promotes new synaptic connections between neurons.What this all suggests is that a short burst of exercise seems to prime the brain for new synaptic connections, implying learning may be enhanced when preceded by physical exercise. While this particular study only involved mice, there is an interesting body of prior work to show exercise improving cognition in humans. From a longer six-week study linking exercise to improved memory, to a shorter experiment finding just 10 minutes of vigorous activity enhances cognitive performance, there is strong evidence the mechanism uncovered in this new research may translate to humans.The next step for the researchers is to more closely investigate how exercise can directly improve memory and learning via the expression of this particular gene.