Why is it in the news?

• The scientists announced the successful mapping of the entire brain of an adult fruit fly, marking a significant achievement in neuroscience.
• This detailed survey, the first of its kind for an adult animal, may pave the way for mapping the human brain, aiding in understanding and potentially treating mental health conditions like Parkinson’s and depression.
• Nine papers detailing this research were published in Nature, with contributions from hundreds of scientists and citizen scientists worldwide.

More about the news

• The mapping project began in 2013, involving a meticulous process where the brain of an adult fruit fly was hardened in a chemical bath. Researchers then shaved off ultra-thin layers and photographed them using a microscope.
• In total, 7,050 sections were imaged, resulting in 21 million photos that enabled the complete mapping of the brain. The first high-resolution image was produced more than a decade after the project commenced.
• The research revealed over 50 million connections among more than 139,000 neurons, classifying these into 8,453 distinct types. This catalogue represents the largest collection of cell types documented in any brain to date.
• The findings provided insights into the functions of different cell types, how the fly’s eyes process motion and colour, and identified a network of “hub neurons” that may enhance information flow.
• The significance of mapping the fruit fly’s brain extends beyond the species itself. Although the human brain is considerably more complex, the fundamental processes of neuronal communication and interaction are believed to be similar.
• According to experts, fruit flies serve as crucial models in neuroscience, addressing many of the same challenges humans face.
• This mapping initiative raises hopes for a future endeavour to map the entire human brain, which is essential for understanding human cognition and the origins of mental disorders.
• Scientists aspire to explore even broader philosophical questions related to consciousness, emotions, and dreams, thus expanding the potential implications of this groundbreaking research.