December 1, 2013 (Vol. 33, No. 21)
URL:
http://connectivity.brain-map.org
Rating:
Strong Points: Multiple ways to search dataset
Weak Points: None
Summary:
For years the Allen Institute for Brain Science’s gene expression atlas has been a valuable resource to neuroscience research. Now, as the field moves towards trying to achieve a better understanding of the connectivity among brain regions, the Allen Brain Atlas is there to help once more with its Mouse Brain Connectivity Atlas. The Connectivity Atlas provides users with a high-resolution map of neural connections within the mouse brain. The dataset was constructed using viral tracing methods in various transgenic mouse lines, allowing for the selective infection of genetically defined subsets of cells. Traditional (non-viral) tracing experiments are also included in the atlas for comparison. Users can easily search the database by brain structure (either as the source or target structure) or transgenic mouse line. Alternatively, site visitors can use the spatial search option to display all connectivity data for a specific spatial location chosen from either a coronal or sagittal brain section.
