Cambridge Scientists Map Entire Adult Fruit Fly Brain with 140,000 Neurons and 50 Million Synapses

Oct 2, 2024, 04:20 PM

Cambridge scientists, in collaboration with the FlyWire Consortium, have successfully mapped the entire adult brain of a fruit fly, marking a significant milestone in neuroscience. This comprehensive map details 140,000 neurons, approximately 50 million synapses, and over 8,400 different cell types, providing insights into neurological diseases and the functioning of a healthy human brain. The project, which took five years to complete, involved advanced computing and AI models developed by the Seung lab at Princeton. The map is expected to aid in understanding brain disorders and improve treatment methods. Volunteers played a crucial role in validating the study, showcasing the potential of crowdsourced research.