Using data from diffusion-weighted brain imaging, researchers from Brown University have created a navigation interface of human brain connectivity. Diffusion imaging measures water diffusion within and around nerves, allowing for the reconstruction of neural pathways. Usually, diffusion imaging is represented by very complex images lacking any anatomical reference, showing all neural connections throughout the brain. The goal of the researchers was to create a more simple view by extracting the neural bundles from the imaging data and present them in a 2D image. The 2D neural maps combine visual clarity with a Web-based digital map interface, and users can view 2D maps together with 3D images. The visualization method can both be used as a standalone interactive application and as an online Google Maps-based web application that displays exported images (which can be tried at the links below). Results have been published in IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics.
Press release: Researchers map, measure brain’s neural connections…
Project page: Exploring the brain connectivity with 2D neural maps…
Maps interface: Saggital, Coronal, Axial.
Article: Exploring Brain Connectivity with Two-Dimensional Neural Maps…