Is Google getting into our brains?
The collaboration between Harvard and Google has made significant progress in the field of brain science. They have produced a comprehensive 3D map of a small segment of the human brain, revealing complex neural interactions and laying the groundwork for mapping an entire mouse brain.
The Massive Data of a Tiny Brain Tissue
A cubic millimeter of brain tissue contains 57,000 cells, 230 millimeters of blood vessels, and 150 million synapses. This small piece of tissue amounts to 1,400 terabytes of data, marking a monumental achievement by researchers from Harvard and Google.
The Joint Success of Harvard and Google
A team led by Jeff Lichtman from Harvard, in collaboration with Google researchers, has created the largest synaptic-resolution 3D brain reconstruction to date within a segment of human temporal cortex. This reconstruction shows every cell and neural connection in detailed clarity.
Technological Advancements in Neuroscience
This remarkable achievement is the culmination of nearly 10 years of collaboration with Google Research. Lichtman’s electron microscopy images, combined with Google’s AI algorithms, are used to color-code and reconstruct the highly complex neural connections in mammalian brains.
Findings from the Latest Brain Map
The latest map, published in the journal *Science*, contains unprecedented details of brain structure. The team discovered peculiarities such as a rare and powerful set of axons connected by 50 synapses and extensive vortices of rare axons.
New Horizons in Connectomics
Lichtman’s field, “connectomics,” aims to create comprehensive catalogs of brain structure, including individual cells and connections, similar to genomics. Completed maps could provide new insights into brain function and diseases.
Future Directions
Google’s advanced AI algorithms enable the three-dimensional reconstruction and mapping of brain tissue. The team is now focusing on studying the mouse hippocampal formation, which is crucial for memory and neurological diseases.
Final Remarks
The collaboration between Harvard and Google is opening new frontiers in brain science and neuroscience. Understanding the complex structure of the human brain lays an important foundation for future research. Projects like this can help us gain deeper insights into brain functions and diseases.
