Now in our 13th year of bringing you beautiful imagery from biomedical science every day

Search the archive of over 4000 images

A map of the neuron connections in the mouse hippocampus giving insight into Alzheimer's disease and its potential treatments

05 November 2018

Mouse Mind Map

Researchers have created the most detailed map to date of the internal circuity of the seahorse-shaped brain structure that stores memories, regulates emotions and guides navigation. Called the hippocampus, this is the first part of the brain to degenerate and cause memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease. The basic structure of the hippocampus has been known for some time, but this new atlas will help neuroscientists to navigate this complex structure in humans. Using fluorescent labels and 3D animation to illuminate the connections and pathways of branching neurons in exquisite detail, it also shows how levels of gene expression vary across sub-regions of the hippocampus. This detail could help target new drugs to specific genes and neurons, meaning more specific and effective treatments with fewer side effects for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Written by Deborah Oakley

Search The Archive

Submit An Image

Follow on Tumblr

Follow on Instagram

What is BPoD?

BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

Read More

BPoD is also available in Catalan at www.bpod.cat with translations by the University of Valencia.