LICONN is a breakthrough technique using light microscopy and AI to map brain cell connections by expanding brain tissue with hydrogel. It offers affordable, detailed imaging, aiding research on diseases like Alzheimer’s. LICONN may scale to entire brains, support gene studies, and apply to organs like the heart or liver.
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New technique LICONN, developed at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), maps brain cell connections using light microscopes and AI.
Light-microscopy-based Connectomics (LICONN) is a new way to study the brain. This technique allows researchers to map how brain cells, or neurons, connect with each other using ordinary light microscopes.
LICONN makes brain mapping easier, cheaper, and more accessible. It helps in understanding how the brain works and tackling diseases like Alzheimer’s or epilepsy.
Scientists soak a small piece of brain tissue in hydrogel. When water is added, the gel swells, expanding the tissue up to 16 times its original size. This stretching pulls small brain structures apart, making them easier to see under a light microscope.
Advanced computer programs, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), analyze these images.
Map Larger Brain Regions => Scientists aim to scale LICONN to study bigger parts of the brain, maybe even entire mouse brains, to understand complex behaviors.
Study Human Brains => Testing on human brain biopsies shows LICONN could help diagnose or treat brain diseases in people.
Combined with Other Tech => Pairing LICONN with gene expression studies could reveal how genes, neurons, and connections work together.
Apply to Other Organs => Researchers believe LICONN could map tissues in other organs, like the heart or liver, opening new doors in medical research.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. The LICONN Technology is frequently seen in the news. What is the use of this technology? A. Mapping brain’s neural networks at the nanoscale B. Improving the resolution of Gene editing C. Improving the speed of computer processors D. Increasing the efficiency of solar panels Answer: A Explanation: LICONN technology is used for light-microscopy-based connectomics, allowing researchers to map the brain's complex neural networks at the nanoscale and simultaneously identify specific molecules within those connections. |
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