One of the most important indicators of neuron identity is its physical location in the CNS. We are currently developming of a 3-D visualization subsystem that allows neuron locations to be stored, searched, and compared.

The system projects location data onto a 3-D model of the nervous system (image 1). Users can load images of their current preparation (image 2), and then rotate, scale, and displace the 3-D model to the same orientation (image 3). This provides a customized map of known neuron locations and a data-entry tool for reliably recording the locations of new neuron types into NeuronBank (image 4).

Importantly, the visualization subsystem can load different CNS models for different species. We have developed tutorials that will allow research groups to develop compatible CNS models for new species.


Brain Model of Tritonia                         Brain Model with a new prep loaded


Model scaled to the prep                        Cell location marked on the model