Scientists at the University of Chicago, along with colleagues from Chicago State University and the University of Illinois at Chicago, are collaborating to map the brain's connections using a novel imaging technology. This effort is part of a broader initiative to create a complete wiring diagram of the brain, known as the connectome.
The team aims to overcome existing challenges in capturing images of brain samples by employing photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM). Gregg Wildenberg, a staff scientist in UChicago's Department of Neurobiology, noted that current imaging techniques face limitations. "We are kind of stuck at some hard limits on how quickly we can image the data," he said.
Wildenberg collaborates with Narayanan “Bobby” Kasthuri, an Assistant Professor at UChicago and researcher at Argonne National Laboratory. Together, they have received a $4.8 million grant from the Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative to adapt PEEM for their research.
Sarah King, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at UChicago and co-investigator on the project, expressed initial skepticism about using PEEM for biological samples but was convinced after discussions with Wildenberg and Kasthuri. The technique has shown promise in initial tests.
Kevin Boergens from UIC also praised the results: "The images look great; it’s super promising." The collaboration extends to students as well. Andrew Maselli from Chicago State University emphasized student involvement: "At Chicago State, we are proud to provide undergraduate students the chance to engage in groundbreaking biological research."
King highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of this project: “It’s really this beautiful marriage of material science, chemistry, physics and neurobiology.” She credited close collaboration between various divisions and institutions for enabling this innovative approach.