Brain morphology

Cetacean brains have long been of scientific and general public interest, not only because of their large size but also due to their high gyrification degree – often related to their complex social lifestyle. Despite Brazil’s vast biodiversity, the country lacks comparative studies of brain morphology in general, preventing a more systematic understanding of brain anatomy and the evolution of its diverse species. To solve this, we have established a network for collecting and analyzing stranded Brazilian cetaceans’ brains. Through this initiative, we currently have approximately 50 specimens r

Anti-IgLON5 is a rare neurological disorder characterized by brainstem dysfunction, abnormal movements, sleep alterations, autoantibodies against IgLON5, and neurodegeneration, sometimes with neuronal deposits of tau. IgLON5 is a neural cell adhesion molecule of unknown function. This study was aimed to determine the effects of loss of function of IgLON5 in a Knockout (IgLON5-KO) mouse model assessing brain morphology, social behavior, and symptoms.IgLON5-KO mouse was produced by CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Two-month-old IgLON5-KO and wild-type mice were subjected to a comprehensive battery of beh

…including those affecting the brain. Here we investigate how a semi-aquatic lifestyle may have altered brain morphology in extant pinnipeds using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and gross anatomical observations on three spotted seals (Phoca largha, a Phocid) and three Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus, an Otariid).Based on available data, we compared our observations on the semi-aquatic pinnipeds, to b

…venue to provide further insights on brain morphology, but they are mostly limited to humans and a few other primates, hindering a systematic understanding of diversity in brain anatomy across species.Here, we implemented an innovative pipeline, Stitcher (Mynssen et al., in preparation), to reconstruct the cortical surface of five lesser-known mammals belonging to four orders: Artiodactyla, Carnivora, Cetace

…and clinical studies of the human brain. However, no reference standards currently exist to quantify individual differences in neuroimaging metrics over time, in contrast to growth charts for anthropometric traits such as height and weight. Here, we built an interactive resource to benchmark brain morphology, www.brainchart.io, derived from any current or future sample of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. With the goal of basing these reference charts on the largest and most inclusive dataset available,

…present case studies where the simpler brain morphology and short developmental cycle of the marmoset have been key factors in facilitating discoveries about the anatomy and physiology of th