Ainhoa Etxeberria led experiments connecting visual experience to myelin geometry and neural conduction in mice. Long-term deprivation of input to one eye shortened myelinated segments along the visual pathway while increasing formation of oligodendrocytes. Electrophysiological measurements found altered optic nerve conduction.[ref]
The experiment connects cellular structure with signal timing: counting axons or identifying myelin as merely present would miss differences in sheath spacing. It also shows why experience-dependent change need not be confined to changes at synapses.
New to topics? Read the docs here!