Exploring Neuromorphology

The lecture focused broadly on means in which neuroscience related knowledge can be cataloged and analyzed. Similar to the Human Genome Project, the Hippocampome Project is an attempt to improve data analysis of the many different neuron types found in the hippocampus by collecting and cataloging the deluge of information found regarding the function of this brain region. This project will allow for more open sharing of data regarding the function of the hippocampus and by utilizing and understanding the information gathered, it may also open doors for treatment of the many disorders and diseases associated with the hippocampus. NeuroMorpho.org is a site that also attempts to make sense of the deluge of information known about neurons and presents reconstructions of neuronal morphologies. Both of these projects are invaluable in that they are the basis of secondary research and discovery. 

Dr. Ascoli began his talk by mentioning the striking resemblance between a seahorse and the hippocampus, a small but vital structure found deep in the medial temporal lobe of the brain. The role of the hippocampus is so fundamental to our daily functions. Known as the GPS of our mind, the hippocampus works by maintaining cognitive navigation maps and is also involved in the formation and storage of memories. It is important for
the processing of different mental states including episodic, autobiographic, and declarative. The hippocampus is one of the most prolific grounds for study and is the key area for many diseases including stroke, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's. 

The hippocampus is made up of various types of neurons, a few classes being much more abundant than others. The organization and connectivity of these neurons is very important as it determines how information is processed. Each neuron is unique with respect to its axonal and dendritic patterns. Analyzing neuronal morphologies is essential to understanding how neurons give rise to recognition. Dr. Parekh went more into detail about just how neuronal morphologies are analyzed. The process includes labeling the tissue with a stain or dye to examine the connectivity of particular regions. Visualizing is done under a microscope and tracing follows using pencil and paper, digitizing tablets, or computational algorithms. Reconstructions are then generated automatically. 

Collecting and cataloging such vital information into a knowledge base or user-friendly site is extremely advantageous. These sources may bring us one step closer to understanding the precise mechanism that triggers clinical depression. A treatment for pediatric epilepsy can be developed. These possibilities may be further explored by observing outlier neurons that appear to differ from the norm, for instance. My question is this: By utilizing these sources that catalog vital information, will it be possible for us to finally understand how and why a disease such as Alzheimer's begins? 

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