Cellular Neuroscience   The nervous system contains a highly diverse collection of neurons and   their supporting cells, the glia. Each type of cell can be distinguished by its   shape and by the electrical and chemical signals it uses to communicate   with other cells. Cellular studies aim to understand the common   characteristics shared by many cell types as well as the distinctive   characteristics that underlie specialized aspects of function. Because the   very nature of the nervous system is determined by the activities of   neurons and glia, analyses of these cells is a focus in many of our   laboratories.