Brain Circuitry, Alight
This image is one of the first to depict, in neuron-by-neuron detail, the tangled circuits that collect, process, and archive information in the mammal brain. It shows individual mouse neurons–specifically, the axons from a nerve that controls eye movements–fluorescing in different colors. Such images could help researchers better understand everything from brain development to the workings of diseases like autism and schizophrenia.

Researchers at Harvard University made the image by genetically engineering mice to carry a specialized piece of DNA that, when triggered by a particular enzyme, can randomly express any of three fluorescent proteins–yellow, red, or cyan. A single neuron contains numerous copies of this DNA segment. Once activated, each DNA piece expresses one of the proteins, giving each cell a different blend of the three colors. As a result, neurons can exhibit any of about 100 unique hues. Giving neuroscientists such a broad palette with which to paint individual brain cells will allow them to explore neural circuits as never before. “This will be an incredibly powerful tool,” says Elly Nedivi, a neuroscientist at MIT who is not involved in the research. “It will open up huge opportunities in terms of looking at neural connectivity.” Scientists will probably use the engineered mice to study disease and the neural connections and disconnections that occur as young brains develop.
Keep Reading
Most Popular
This new data poisoning tool lets artists fight back against generative AI
The tool, called Nightshade, messes up training data in ways that could cause serious damage to image-generating AI models.
Rogue superintelligence and merging with machines: Inside the mind of OpenAI’s chief scientist
An exclusive conversation with Ilya Sutskever on his fears for the future of AI and why they’ve made him change the focus of his life’s work.
The Biggest Questions: What is death?
New neuroscience is challenging our understanding of the dying process—bringing opportunities for the living.
How to fix the internet
If we want online discourse to improve, we need to move beyond the big platforms.
Stay connected
Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.