Brain mapping – an online resource
27 Apr 2011 by Evoluted New Media
There is a 94% similarity between human brains, and at least 82% of all human genes are expressed in the brain according to the Allen Human Brain Atlas.
There is a 94% similarity between human brains, and at least 82% of all human genes are expressed in the brain according to the Allen Human Brain Atlas.
|
Scientists create an online map of the brain |
Scientists from the Allen Institute of Brain Science have spent four years creating an anatomically and genomically comprehensive map of the human brain.
Using leading-edge technology – magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion tensor imaging plus histology and gene expression data derived from microarray and in situ hybridisation approaches – the Institute has characterised and mapped the biochemistry of two normal adult brains. The result is an online public resource – The Allen Human Brain Atlas.
“Until now, a definitive map of the human brain, at this level of detail, simply hasn’t existed,” said Allen Jones, CEO of the Institute. “The Allen Human Brain Atlas provided never-seen-before views of our most complex and most important organ.”
“Understanding how our genes are used in our brains will help scientists and the medical community better understand and discover new treatments for the full spectrum of brain diseases and disorders, from mental illness and drug addiction, to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, multiple sclerosis, autism and more.”
The map identifies 1,000 anatomical sites in the human brain, backed by more than 100 million data points that indicate the particular gene expression and underlying chemistry of each site.
The data revealed 94% similarity between human brains, establishing strong patterns as a critical foundation for translational and clinical research. At least 82% of all human genes are expressed in the brain, highlighting its tremendous complexity while also providing an essential genetic blueprint to understand brain functionality.
As well as advancing the Institute’s goal of understanding how the brain works, the Allen Human Brain Atlas can be accessed by scientists to explore the human brain and identify how disease and trauma affect specific areas. It can also be used to pinpoint where particular drugs act anatomically in the brain, to ultimately control the outcome of therapies.
It is free and available to scientists at www.brain-map.org
