Glia cells are much more than bonding tissue 

Report on neurobiology of the exceptional mind

Without a doubt smarts like everything else about who we are is nested in our brains. That does not mean the neuro electrical recordings, neurochemical probes, brain imaging methods, or brain biopsies will reveal the basis of genius and creativity or anything else that makes us who we are. However we keep get closer and the seductive power of new knowledge keeps us moving ever faster. Jon Hamilton authored an article and radio broadcast entitled Einstein’s Brain Unlocks Some Mysteries Of The Mind.

Thomas Harvey, performed the autopsy on Einstein. He kept the brain (said that his son said it was ok with him) but that didn’t satisfy Princeton. He was fired and his colleagues ostrasized Harvey.  Forty years later the story is jumped started again when a writer Michael Paterniti, who had followed the Einstein brain saga from the beginning met up with and traveled with Harvey and Einstein’s brain safely sealed in a formaldehyde filled Tupperware container. By then there were something missing brain pieces that had been shared with several neuroscientists including Marion Diamond (UC Berkley). Starting in the mid 80’s new knowledge brings Einstein’s brain into a new focus. Diamond examined whether there were more glial cells known as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in Einstein’s brain. The answer was yes  especially in brain areas involved in imagery and complex thinking.The plot continues with the discovery by Stephen J. Smith that astrocytes can  communicate using only chemical signals, were eavesdropping on the chemical communicatons between neurons, and transmitting that information to distant areas of the brain.

That would mean that astrocytes could be involved in learning, memory and even the genius of Einstein. Another scientist Douglas Fields at NIH confirmed the role of glia ( astrocytes) as far more than brain glue but an important component of communication in the brain. There are lots more twists and turns to this story, personal as well as scientific. You might begin with the NPR broadcast of June 2, 2010.