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Brain To Tapestry

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This article from Scientific American gives us a look inside the human brain. The article is written by Karl Deisseroth, a professor of bioengineering and psychiatry at Stanford University. He begins by comparing the brain to a tapestry with interwoven parts. Fibers called axons spread out from the neurons carrying data to other neurons. He goes on to say if we are to know how the brain works we have to figure out how the so called tapestry is setup. This has to be done on an individual basis for each axon. We also must understand the purpose of an axon, we also have to keep in mind the brain isn’t flat like a tapestry. Therefore it is hard to get a good look at it. However, new technology has been developed that has changed that. Not only does it give us a way to look at the brain without having to physically open it, it also helps us track the various fibers as they make their through the brain. …show more content…

These polymers have the ability to hold water without dissolving. This technique is a three step method used to produce 3-D polymer endoskeletons inside biological tissue. It begins with a transparent gel being formed in a deceased individual or laboratory animal, this transparent gel protects the brain. Next is getting rid of the areas that are not of importance, after they are removed the final step is presenting fluorescent labels and markers. The gel not only protects the brain but also permits quick insertion of the probes. This allows scientist to see different fibers and molecules within the brain. This discovery has opened many doors in the scientific community, including but not limited to, illuminating reasons behind mental illnesses such as autism and Alzheimer’s. Deisseroth then describes how even evolution through the years has yet to create a transparent

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