Allen Institute accelerates brain research with the launch of Allen Cell Types Database.
On Thursday, May 14, the Allen Institute announced that the launch of the database is a significant scientific step for creating a brain standards database, which is searchable online. The initial release of the database includes vital information about the location, shape and electrical activity of over 240 neurons found in the brain of mice.
Allan Jones, the CEO of Allen Institute reveals that for making progress in the field of brain research neuroscientists need recognized standards, which can be shared at a global level. Jones revealed that periodic table has a very significant role in studying chemistry; similarly the established standards for brain will play a similar part in neuroscience.
The Allen Cell Types Database is accessible publicly and signifies the first step of the institute for understanding how brain activity leads to decision-making, action and perception. A better understanding of various cell types will enable scientists to find how a healthy brain actually functions and also about the disruptions that results in brain related diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and more.
Christof Koch, Chief Scientific Officer and President of Allen Institute for Brain Science, suggests that identifying the types of neuron cells is essential for unfolding the secret of how brain processes various information and helps in consciousness, perception and memory.
"This is the first resource of its kind to bring together multiple types of data-shape, position in the brain and electrical activity-in a single searchable database anywhere on the planet," says Koch.
The initial release also includes the Allen Software Development Kit (SDK), which is a companion source code repository that contains neuronal models of cells. SDK will allow download of the models, which will enable scientists to conduct their virtual experiments.
The initial data release also includes Science Vignette, which is a vibrant animation tool that guides the users via an arrangement of mouse visual cortex cell types, which is based on examining thousands and thousands of "genes that are expressed in single neurons."
The animation includes gene expression of about 1,600 cells. The resources in the Allen Cell Types Database provide future insights of brain research.
The Allen Institute of Brain Science suggests that future data releases will also include information about cells from human cortex.
Check out the video about the Allen Cell Types Database.
Photo: Allan Ajifo | Flickr
