Why do people walk?

When you step out with your left foot and then with your right heel, you complete a simple walk

This answer may only be half right.

A new study in Cell looks at a class of cells in the spinal cord called ventral spinocerebellar tract neurons (VSCT)

But in the new study, scientists at Columbia University found that VSCT can actually send alternating "left and right" signals to the lower limbs through precise timing control, so that the muscles in each leg will alternately contract at a specific frequency, driving the limbs to move

Most importantly, they found by observing the neural activity patterns of mice during exercise, VSCT and motor behavior will maintain a consistent activity rhythm.

▲Schematic diagram of the research (picture source: Reference [2])

The experiments took two approaches to confirm the unique function of these neurons.

Another is the traditional chemical method.

By building a special mouse model, they began to try to use two methods to regulate the state of mouse VSCT

▲ VSCT, which is vital to exercise (Image source: Reference [2])

Similarly, drug experiments produced the same results.

These experiments all point to a result that VSCT is necessary for motor behavior, and activation of VSCT promotes movement, while inhibiting their function results in loss of motor ability

The research team's next step is to precisely identify the neural circuits formed by VSCT and other neurons, including motor neurons, to help understand the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases

Note: The original text has been deleted

References:

[1] Research in mice identifies neurons that control locomotion.