AI Learns to Trace Neuronal Pathways - Neuroscience News

Summary: A novel AI system recognizes a neuron in microscope images of the brain more efficiently than any previous approach. The system improves current methods of tracing neurons and their connections, which can help improve brain mapping. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) scientists have taught computers to recognize a neuron in microscope images of the brain more efficiently than any previous approach. The researchers improved the efficiency of automated methods for tracing neurons and their connections, a task that is increasingly in demand as researchers work to map the brain's densely interconnected circuits. They did it by teaching the computer to recognize different parts of neurons, each of which have different characteristics. Such connection maps are critical for learning how the brain processes information to generate thoughts and behavior.