Neuroscience Projects and Brain Mapping

Connectome

• A complete map of all neural connections in the brain.
• Provides a wiring diagram to understand how neurons and brain regions connect.
• Helps understand consciousness, memory, and mental processes.

Brain Atlas

• A detailed map of brain cells and structures.
• Useful for understanding different brain cell types and their function.
• A comprehensive atlas will highlight human brain uniqueness compared to other species.

BRAIN Initiative

• A US research program focused on advancing brain study technologies.
• Funds research on brain imaging, neural mapping, and brain-computer interfaces.

Human Brain Project

• A European project integrating neuroscience and AI to understand the brain.
• Aims to create simulated brain models for studying brain disorders.

Brain/MINDS Project

• A Japanese neuroscience initiative studying marmoset brains.
• Marmosets are similar to humans in brain structure, making them useful models for higher brain function studies; neurodevelopmental diseases are also studied using marmosets.

Neurogenesis

• The process of generating new brain cells (neurons).
• Research suggests that neurogenesis may continue in adulthood; this could lead to treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

Brain Organoids

• Miniature brain models created from stem cells.
• Used to study brain development and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Future potential for repairing damaged brain tissue.

Optogenetics

• A technique using light to control neuron activity.
• Neuroscientists activate or deactivate specific neurons to study their function.

Chemogenetics

• A technique using chemicals to manipulate neuron activity.
• Provides longer-lasting control over neural circuits, helping study behavior and brain disorders.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

• Non-invasive method using magnetic fields to stimulate brain activity.
• Used for treating depression and other neurological conditions, and for research on cognitive function.

Neural Interfaces (Brain-Computer Interfaces, BCI)

• Technology for direct brain-computer or brain-prosthetic communication.
• Enables people with paralysis to control artificial limbs or communicate via brain activity.

Single-Cell Transcriptomics/Proteomics

• Technology examining gene expression and protein composition in individual cells.
• Useful in understanding brain cell diversity and changes involved in diseases like neurodegenerative diseases.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Neuroscience

• Using AI and machine learning to study the brain.
• Speeds up analysis of brain scans, identifies disease markers, and creates more accurate brain models.

Epigenetics in the Brain

• Study of how environmental/lifestyle factors affect gene expression without changing the DNA sequence.
• Explains how factors like stress and nutrition affect brain health and mental disorders.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging

• Brain imaging technique using radioactive tracers to observe brain activity.
• Used for research and diagnosing disorders like Alzheimer's disease.