Mini-brain discovered in the heart. Yes, you read that right

New research from the Karolinska Institutet and Columbia University has unveiled a groundbreaking discovery: the heart possesses its own nervous system, often referred to as a "mini-brain," which plays a crucial role in controlling heartbeat rhythms. This study, published in Nature Communications, challenges the long-standing belief that the heart is solely regulated by signals from the brain via the autonomic nervous system. "This 'little brain' has a key role in controlling the heartbeat, similar to how the brain regulates functions like locomotion and breathing," explained Konstantinos Ampatzis, principal researcher at Karolinska Institutet. As researchers continue to decode this intricate system, they hope to unlock new avenues for treating heart diseases and enhancing cardiovascular health.