— Connectivity between neurons is central to nervous system function; on a more personal level, the unique connections within our brains may be what contribute to our individuality. The emerging field of connectomics seeks to gather and analyze information about neural connectivity so as to improve our understanding of the brain. The initial goals of connectomics are similar to those of Google Earth: if you think of each neuron as an address, the goal of connectomics is to first understand the various routes between addresses, and then how they all come together to form one large map. This three-dimensional “map” at the heart of connectomics is the “connectome,” a complete description of the connections between neurons in an organism’s nervous system. Continue reading Mapping the Brain with Connectomics