Unexpected cells have been found in the protective membranes that enclose the brain, the so called meninges. These 'neural progenitors' -- or stem cells that differentiate into different kinds of neurons -- are produced during embryonic development. These findings show that the neural progenitors found in the meninges produce new neurons after birth -- highlighting the importance of meningeal tissue as well as these cells' potential in the development of new therapies for brain damage or neurodegeneration.