November 1, 2007
1 min read
Add Us On GoogleAdd SciAmThe Brain's Technicolor Dreamcoat
Maybe the parents of neurons can tell their progeny apart, but researchers have a harder time disentangling one brain cell from the horde as they try to tease apart the inner workings of the brain's subsystems.
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
Maybe the parents of neurons can tell their progeny apart, but researchers have a harder time disentangling one brain cell from the horde as they try to tease apart the inner workings of the brain's subsystems. A new labeling technique published in Nature may go a long way toward sorting out the chatter between cells. Researchers engineered neurons to randomly express one of nearly 90 different combinations of red, cyan and yellow fluorescent proteins, resulting in "brainbows" such as this set of multicolored axons projecting from the oculomotor nerve of a mouse.
It’s Time to Stand Up for Science
If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.
I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.
If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.
In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.
There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.
