Study finds process by which brain regions work together to keep time during movements

NEW DELHI: Brain regions responsible for motor movements work together “like an hourglass” to flexibly control timing while one is moving, according to a study in mice, findings from which could be helpful for restoring movement in disorders such as Parkinson’s.

The ageing-related neurological disorder mainly affects movements and is marked by tremors in limbs and stiffness that can impact limbs, neck or torso.

The study, published in the journal Nature, shows how the brain’s internal timer works through an interaction between two brain regions — the motor cortex, which controls voluntary movements; and striatum, which links motivation to motor movements.

Through experiments in mice, researchers from the US’ Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience found that temporarily silencing