A fundamental discovery about phosphorylation, a key mechanism that enables nervous system connections to strengthen, may alter the textbook-level understanding of how synapses work. Phosphorylation is a biochemical process considered fundamental for functions within cells, such as metabolism, structural processes and subcellular signaling. It also occurs outside of cells, and scientist found in this study that kinases within the synaptic cleft play an important role in synaptic plasticity. The findings, published Nov. 20 in the journal Science, have direct implications for better understanding the underlying biochemical mechanisms involved in learning, memory and pain, creating broad implications for neuroscience.