Mapping the brain

In this recipe, we will learn about an exciting new area of science in which bioinformatics is playing a role, connectome mapping.

The connectome is defined as the map of all connections in a brain or a section of neural tissue. Using the image analysis techniques we discussed in the Studying biological image data recipe scientists can now combine high-throughput automated microscopy and machine learning to trace neurons and their connections in the brain. They then use this to reconstruct and study partial or whole connectomes of various organisms, including humans.

Let’s review the structure of a neuron:

Figure 18.13 – Structure of a neuron

Source: Wikimedia Commons – https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Neuron.svg (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:GNU_Free_Documentation_License,_version_1.2)

Neurons contain a large cell body or soma, which contains the cell nucleus. Inputs come into the cell...