Nerve cell growth. Light micrograph of nerve cells (neurons) with immunofluorescent staining. These cells have been grown in culture. The stains show neurites (thin strands, either axons or dendrites) connecting nerve cell bodies. Short neurites are green, long ones are pink. Nerve cell bodies are blue, but non-neuronal cell nuclei (also blue) are seen as well. Neurons transmit electrical signals around the body, especially the brain and the spinal cord. These neurons have been grown from NT2 cells, a human teratocarcinoma cell line capable of differentiation into nerve cells. Such research may make neural regeneration possible for treating spinal paralysis and nerve disorders.