Why in the news?
- New brain atlases integrate multiple cutting-edge mapping techniques to track how neurons and glial cells develop, migrate, and diversify across different stages and species.
Brain Atlas
- What is it?: Brain atlas is a scientific resource that maps the structure and cellular composition of the human brain, including developmental stages from embryo to adulthood.
- Purpose:
- To precisely locate brain regions, nuclei, pathways, and functional networks.
- Guides neurosurgery, neurological diagnosis, and brain research.
- Helps compare healthy vs. diseased brains (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, tumors).
- Essential in connectomics, brain–computer interfaces (BCIs), and AI modelling.
- Applications:
- Medical
- Neurosurgery navigation
- Tumor mapping
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Psychiatric research (depression, schizophrenia)
- Research
- Understanding brain function and disorders
- Brain–computer interfaces
- AI models inspired by brain architecture
- Education: Teaching neuroanatomy through interactive 3D atlases.
- Medical
Source: The Hindu