Scientists Built Largest Brain ‘Connectome’ to Date by Having a Lab Mouse Watch ‘The Matrix’ and ‘Star Wars’
This groundbreaking study illustrates how researchers have mapped the connectome of a lab mouse’s brain, capturing over 120,000 brain cells within a single cubic millimetre. They accomplished this while the mouse enjoyed popular films like ‘The Matrix’ and ‘Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens’. The results provide valuable insights into the complex wiring of the brain.
Key Points
- The study created a 3D neural map of a section of a mouse brain using a live mouse watching films.
- Over 200,000 brain cells and 523 million connections (synapses) were mapped in just 1 cubic millimetre.
- The connectome is three times larger than previously reported human brain connectomes.
- A machine learning algorithm was used to trace brain cells and their connections from the collected data.
- The findings could significantly advance our understanding of neural connections and their role in neurological disorders.
Why should I read this?
If you’re curious about the incredible complexities of the brain and how this research can impact our understanding of neurological health, this article is a must-read! It showcases pioneering techniques while merging pop culture with science, making it not just informative but also quite fascinating. Plus, who wouldn’t want to know how a mouse reacts to ‘The Matrix’?
“`