thumbnail

XNAB: Creation and exploration of multifaceted neuroanatomical brain models

Details
Funded by: MUR PNRR M4C2 - Investimento 1.3 - Avviso Partenariati Estesi MNESYSReference: MNESYS-XNAB
Start: 2024-04-04Duration: 12 Months
Partners
Coordinator: CRS4Italy

Abstract

In the field of neuroscience, a central focus is on examining the anatomical and functional organization of the cerebral cortex, particularly in humans and primates. In order to gather a deep understanding, data coming from non-invasive imaging techniques, such as PET, fMRI, and dMRI, is often combined with data coming from invasive experimental procedures capable of providing morphological, anatomical, and electrophysiological information. While non-invasive whole-brain imaging offers 3D information at a macro-scale, invasive procedures involve small-scale analysis of multiple 2D images or of 3D reconstructions obtained from slices. The project aims to introduce novel visual and data-intensive methods to enhance the understanding of data from such studies. Addressing key aspects in the analysis of neural data, the focus will be on novel methods for multi-layered visualization and manipulation of sets of possibly annotated 2D slices, with special emphasis on data stemming from the analysis of brain sections, and on novel methods for exploring fused 3D brain data at multiple scales, primarily concentrating on the combination of registered multi-labeled neurons, segmented cortical surfaces, and massive tractograms. The project is developed in collaboration with Spoke 1 (University of Parma) of the MNESYS Extended Partnership focused on Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology.The project aims to improve multi-light image acquisition and processing techniques for surface analysis by simplifying setups for acquisition and calibration, possibly using additional capture systems, improving the efficiency and scalability of methods to process, store and distribute captured information, and developing new solutions for visualization. As part of the project, CRS4 coordinates activites will coordinate aimed at studying and prototyping methodologies for the efficient interactive visualization of annotated models derived from multi-light captures and will contribute to the study and development of capture, processing and visualization models and algorithms.