Exploring Neurotech: Network Map III

Continued from previous post. Exploring the communities of key neurotechnologies to understand how these tools are being put to use.

Currently exploring 798 articles, refined from an original set of 922,000.

A Neuro Network

Check out the light green Optogenetics community.

Optogenetics is “neuroscience’s new toolbox.” It is a technique that genetically engineers neurons to fire when light shines on them. Scientists can insert tiny fiber optic wires in the brain and stimulate populations of cells to fire, improving our ability to monitor and understand how neuron activity results in cognition. more

Relayout. Recolor.

That red dot? Researchers used deep brain stimulation through optogenetics to cause neurons in the brains of alcoholic mice to release low and steady levels of dopamine, resulting in an end of binge drinking behavior.

A less hyped but arguably more important study is marked by numerous yellowish nodes. A major new development in the field of optogenetics now allows neuroscientists to turn neurons on and off. Previously, only one was possible. Since neurons in the brain are either excitatory or inhibitory, this opens up a whole new realm of possibility.

Another study shows how optogenetics can be used to turn off pain.

I wonder how we could explore neurotechnological cross-sections.

Now we’re talking. A map of the intersection of optogenetics and brain imaging (MRI, DTI, EEG, MEG).

Size by network centrality and a few formerly hidden key nodes pop up.

That big green one in the center? Researchers at the Human Connectome Project used DTI imaging to discover brain connectivity differences in people with epilepsy. Epileptic patients had 22–45% less connectivity in certain areas than control brains.

***DTI*** or Diffusion Tensor Imaging is a form of MRI that detects the movement of molecules, mostly water. This movement can be used to tracked to reveal macroscopic details about tissue structure. DTI is commonly used to map white matter highways of connectivity in the brain. Image: LONI/UCLA Human Connectome Project

The second most central node, above in darker green, marks a study utilizing MRI data to detect biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases. This publication presents an overview of neuroimaging’s impact on understanding disease “as well as the potential for neuroimaging to provide useful information for differential diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders.”

A third study uses EEG monitoring to explore the brain’s methods of decision making. Researchers found that people “construct abstract rules” in order to remember novel things. It also marks an interesting tool: algorithms to predict when brains are doing one thing and not another.

Let’s drop this map into a different view.

Abnormal brain activity in NFL players makes a showing again. As does that debated article about the difference between male and female brains.

What’s our most shared article? A story of fish oil helping a boy recover from brain trauma.