March 11, 2026, the Brain Research Foundation hosted one of its most anticipated lunchtime lectures of the year. Dr. Lindsay DeBaise, Ph.D., joined us over Zoom to explore a topic that sits at the heart of modern neuroscience: the role of microglia the brain’s own immune cells in shaping brain health from early development all the way through to old age.
If you were unable to join us live, the full recording is now available on YouTube, and we encourage you to watch it. Whether you are a long-time supporter of BRF, a caregiver, or simply someone curious about how your brain works, this lecture is well worth your time.
What Are Microglia, and Why Do They Matter?
Microglia are the brain’s resident immune cells a specialized population that makes up roughly 10 to 15 percent of all cells in the brain. Unlike most cells in the central nervous system, microglia are constantly active, patrolling their surroundings, clearing debris, and responding to signs of injury or infection.
What makes these cells so fascinating and so important to researchers is that their role changes dramatically depending on the stage of life:
- In early life, microglia are essential architects of brain development, helping to build and refine neural connections that will shape cognition, behavior, and emotional regulation for life.
- Later in life, when microglia begin to malfunction, the consequences can be severe. Their dysfunction has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as a range of mental health disorders.
What Dr. DeBaise Covered in the Lecture
Dr. DeBaise has a gift for making complex neuroscience accessible without oversimplifying it. Over the course of the lecture, she walked attendees through the biology of microglia, their shifting functions across the human lifespan, and why understanding these cells is increasingly central to the future of brain disease research and treatment.
The session also included a live Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions directly—a highlight for many who joined us on the day.
Watch the Full Lecture
The full recording is available on our YouTube channel. Click the link below to watch:
Stay Connected with BRF
This lecture is part of BRF’s ongoing commitment to bringing world-class neuroscience education directly to the public free of charge. We believe that understanding the brain is the first step toward funding the research that will change lives.
If you enjoyed this lecture and would like to support the work of researchers like Dr. DeBaise, consider making a donation to the Brain Research Foundation. Every contribution helps fund the early-stage science that leads to tomorrow’s breakthroughs.
