Scientists Map the Brain, Gene by Gene

wired.com

12 points·robg··5 comments

"Before a single brain was dissected, back when the atlas was still purely hypothetical, Allan Jones realized that the most difficult challenges wouldn't be scientific. All the necessary tools were available, and there were no theoretical obstacles."

I bet that is like a lot of problems we face. If only we had the resources...

Can you think of any sort of obstacle like this that could be solved by robotics/automation.

Those are some freakish pictures. Makes me realize how insignificant I really am. Almost makes me want to just stop living cause one day they will have my brain on the table.

Where do I remove my self from the list of brains to be used? <--Joke.

Yeah. The way they used the photos was kinda disrespectful (IMHO). They used it as rotten would use photos (sensationalist). This paragraph irritates me:

"The human brain is surprisingly bloody. I've worked in neuroscience labs, and I'm used to seeing brains that are stored in glass jars filled with formaldehyde, the preserved tissue a lifeless gray. But this brain—removed from a warm body just a few hours ago—looks bruised, its folds stained purple. Blood drips from the severed stem, forming puddles on the stainless steel table."

If they used a photo of the brain for a reasonable purpose (e.g. showing different areas) it would be acceptable. The way they did it was just tasteless.

Yeah, it's weird how we never have have seen our own brain. I'm pretty sure I have one, though.

It's opt in.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com