The Angel and the Assassin: The Tiny Brain Cell That Changed the Course of Medicine

The riveting story of microglia--the "white blood cell of the brain"--from the scientists who discovered its amazing dual capabilities to harm and heal, to the cutting-edge treatments emerging for a wide variety of brain diseases, including alleviating depression and promising answers for Alzheimer's. Until recently, microglia were thought to be the boring little housekeepers of the brain, helpfully pruning away dead cells. But science now understands them to have a terrifying Jekyll and Hyde control over brain health. When triggered, they morph into destroyers, causing a wide range of issues- from memory problems and anxiety to depression and Alzheimer's. Under the right circumstances, however, microglia are indeed angelic healers, making repairs in ways that reduce symptoms and, now that we understand their true role, could one day prevent disease. A fascinating behind-the-scenes account of the science that identified microglia as our neurological immune system, The Angel and the Assassin also explores th