Harvard Scientists and Google Experts Create Detailed Wiring Diagram of Human Brain
In a groundbreaking study, scientists at Harvard University, in collaboration with experts at Google, have reconstructed a wiring diagram of a piece of the human brain in unprecedented detail. The research focused on a small piece of healthy brain tissue taken from a 45-year-old woman during epilepsy surgery.
The sample revealed over 57,000 individual cells, 150 million neural connections, and 23 centimeters of blood vessels. Using electron microscope images and a machine learning algorithm, the researchers were able to trace the paths of neurons and other cells in the brain tissue. Baffling observations included pyramidal neurons displaying symmetry and axons forming tight whorls.
Rare instances of neurons forming extremely strong connections were also noted, potentially linked to well-learned behaviors. The map of the brain tissue will be freely available for other researchers to use. Future projects include a collaboration to reconstruct the wiring of an entire mouse brain to gain insight into brain circuits and behaviors.
This study provides a deeper understanding of the complexity of the human brain and may offer insights into how sensory experiences guide human will and behavior. The findings open up new possibilities for research in neuroscience and could lead to groundbreaking discoveries in the field of brain science.
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