We are ending 2011 with a Wellcome Image Award Winner. This computer simulated image of pyramidal neurons was created using software called the TREES Toolbox, which allows scientists to create neuronal structures identical to those found in vivo. The cells in this image are pyramidal neurons, so called because of their pyramid-shaped cell body. They are the principal cell type in the cortex and hippocampus of mammals and are thought to be involved in cognitive function.
Each neuron is assigned a different colour so that individual structures and processes can easily be seen. These highly accurate synthetic neurons can be automatically reconstructed from microscopy image stacks and visualised, edited and analysed in a number of different ways, helping scientists learn more about cell morphology and how neural networks are constructed.
The development of the program, and creation of this award-winning image, was supervised by Professor Michael Hausser from University College London. His research group is interested in exploring how single cells in the brain contribute to network connections and how this gives rise to behaviour. To do this, they use a variety of techniques, both in vitro and in vivo. Sophisticated experimental approaches, including electrophysiology and confocal microscopy, are complemented by state-of-the-art modelling programs such as TREES Toolbox. By combining empirical data with computational tools, Professor Hausser and colleagues can help answer some of the most fundamental questions in neuroscience.
This is one of our favourite images of the year, and we even think it has a slight Christmas feel to it, the colours reminding us of Christmas tree lights. We find it so Christmassy, in fact, that we chose this image to adorn the Wellcome Trust Christmas cards!
Ruth Milne, Wellcome Images
Wellcome Images is one of the world’s richest and most unusual collections, with themes ranging from medical and social history to contemporary healthcare and biomedical science. All our images are available in digital form so please click the link above if you would like to use the picture that features in this post, or to quickly find related ones. Many are free to use non-commercially under the terms of a Creative Commons licence and full details of the specific licence for each image are provided.
Image credit: Prof. M. Hausser / UCL, Wellcome Images
Filed under: Neuroscience and Understanding the Brain, Wellcome Image of the Month, Wellcome Images Tagged: Neurons, Professor Michael Hausser, Wellcome Images
