Core Insights - The research led by Professor Luo Qingming from Hainan University and the Huazhong University of Science and Technology has successfully created a three-dimensional brain atlas of mice with a precision of 1 micron, providing a crucial tool for understanding brain science [2][3] - The findings were published in the international academic journal "Nature," marking a significant breakthrough in global brain science research [2][3] Research Methodology - The research team developed a method for Nissl staining and resin fixation of the entire mouse brain, transforming it into a transparent "crystal brain" to capture detailed images of brain cell structures [2] - A total of 14,000 coronal sections, 11,400 sagittal sections, and 9,000 horizontal sections were obtained, resulting in sub-micron resolution images of the entire mouse brain [2] Findings and Applications - The team delineated and labeled a three-dimensional adjustable map of 916 brain regions, including 236 newly discovered subregions, revealing unknown neural connectivity networks [3] - This brain atlas serves as a precise "brain Lego model," significantly enhancing the understanding of normal brain functions and dysfunction mechanisms in various diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and depression [3]

Core Insights - A breakthrough research achievement by a team led by Professor Luo Qingming from Hainan University has resulted in a three-dimensional brain atlas of mice, published in the journal Nature, achieving unprecedented precision of 1 micron [1][3] Group 1: Research Methodology - The research utilized a self-developed microscopic optical sectioning tomography technique to transform mouse brains into transparent "crystal brains," capturing 14,000 coronal sections, 11,400 sagittal sections, and 9,000 horizontal sections, all at sub-micron resolution [3] - The number of images obtained in three standard anatomical orientations is two orders of magnitude higher than traditional anatomical atlases, allowing for clear differentiation of individual cells and tissue characteristics [3] Group 2: Findings and Contributions - The team constructed a three-dimensional mouse brain reference atlas with isotropic 1-micron resolution, delineating and labeling 916 brain regions, including 236 newly named subregions [3][4] - The three-dimensional boundaries of these brain regions are continuous and seamless, eliminating gaps and blank areas, thus creating a highly detailed "spatial navigation map" of the brain [3] Group 3: Future Implications - The research team has established a visualization and sharing platform for the atlas data, promoting public access and cloud computing services, which will facilitate the dissemination of neuroscience knowledge and research [4] - This mouse brain atlas is expected to provide powerful research tools and new perspectives for studying mammalian brain development and evolution, potentially leading to significant advancements in the field [4]