18,290 research outputs found
SONIA: an immersive customizable virtual reality system for the education and exploration of brain networks
While mastery of neuroanatomy is important for the investigation of the
brain, there is an increasing interest in exploring the neural pathways to
better understand the roles of neural circuitry in brain functions. To tackle
the limitations of traditional 2D-display-based neuronavigation software in
intuitively visualizing complex 3D anatomies, several virtual reality (VR) and
augmented reality (AR) solutions have been proposed to facilitate
neuroanatomical education. However, with the increasing knowledge on brain
connectivity and the functioning of the sub-systems, there is still a lack of
similar software solutions for the education and exploration of these topics,
which demand more elaborate visualization and interaction strategies. To
address this gap, we designed the immerSive custOmizable Neuro learnIng plAform
(SONIA), a novel user-friendly VR software system with a multi-scale
interaction paradigm that allows flexible customization of learning materials.
With both quantitative and qualitative evaluations through user studies, the
proposed system is shown to have high usability, attractive visual design, and
good educational value. As the first immersive system that integrates
customizable design and detailed narratives of the brain sub-systems for the
education of neuroanatomy and brain connectivity, SONIA showcases new potential
directions and provides valuable insights regarding medical learning and
exploration in VR
A proposal for a coordinated effort for the determination of brainwide neuroanatomical connectivity in model organisms at a mesoscopic scale
In this era of complete genomes, our knowledge of neuroanatomical circuitry
remains surprisingly sparse. Such knowledge is however critical both for basic
and clinical research into brain function. Here we advocate for a concerted
effort to fill this gap, through systematic, experimental mapping of neural
circuits at a mesoscopic scale of resolution suitable for comprehensive,
brain-wide coverage, using injections of tracers or viral vectors. We detail
the scientific and medical rationale and briefly review existing knowledge and
experimental techniques. We define a set of desiderata, including brain-wide
coverage; validated and extensible experimental techniques suitable for
standardization and automation; centralized, open access data repository;
compatibility with existing resources, and tractability with current
informatics technology. We discuss a hypothetical but tractable plan for mouse,
additional efforts for the macaque, and technique development for human. We
estimate that the mouse connectivity project could be completed within five
years with a comparatively modest budget.Comment: 41 page
Recommended from our members
ToScA North America (6 – 8 June 2017, The University of Texas, Austin, TX) Program
ToScA North America will address key areas of science,
including Multi-modal Imaging, Geosciences, Forensics, Increasing Contrast,
Educational Outreach, Data, Materials Science and Medical and Biological
Science.University of Texas High-Resolution X-ray CT Facility (UTCT);
Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin;
Natural History Museum (London);
Royal Microscopical Society (Oxford, UK)Geological Science
Fuzzy Fibers: Uncertainty in dMRI Tractography
Fiber tracking based on diffusion weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (dMRI)
allows for noninvasive reconstruction of fiber bundles in the human brain. In
this chapter, we discuss sources of error and uncertainty in this technique,
and review strategies that afford a more reliable interpretation of the
results. This includes methods for computing and rendering probabilistic
tractograms, which estimate precision in the face of measurement noise and
artifacts. However, we also address aspects that have received less attention
so far, such as model selection, partial voluming, and the impact of
parameters, both in preprocessing and in fiber tracking itself. We conclude by
giving impulses for future research
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