The article "Rest to repair" describes how damage to the myelin sheaths in the central nervous system first leads to swelling instead of immediate loss.[5][6] Myelin, which oligodendrocytes form around neuronal axons, increases the conduction velocity of electrical impulses and provides metabolic support.[6] The damage causes swelling of the myelin, which can persist and dynamically remodel, preventing complete loss of the sheath.[5][6] Live imaging in zebrafish has shown that myelin sheaths can withstand extensive damage and recover by remodeling.[5] Pharmacological manipulation of neuronal activity affects this regenerative capacity.[5][6] Neuronal activity worsens myelin damage in the acute phase after injury.[6] These findings suggest a conserved mechanism of myelin protection and potential for therapy in demyelinating diseases and aging.[5] Early intervention in swelling can prevent loss of myelin.[5]