Imagine you’re a cartographer exploring uncharted territory, mapping out the intricate details of a vast, mysterious landscape. In the world of neuroscience, the brain is your domain, and brain atlases are your trusty tools. These atlases serve as invaluable resources for conducting experiments, analyzing data, and transparently reporting findings from animal models. Just like a cartographer relies on maps to navigate and understand the terrain, neuroscientists rely on atlases to navigate the complex structures and functions of the brain. But with multiple atlases to choose from, finding the right one can be challenging. That’s where this guide comes in. It offers expert advice on how to use mouse and rat brain atlases effectively, ensuring that your analyses are efficient and your reports are clear and reproducible. It explains how to interpret atlases, navigate through different brain regions, and perform various analytic tasks such as spatial registration and data visualization. It even tackles the daunting task of comparing findings across different atlases, ensuring that your research is robust and reliable. So, take a deep dive into the world of brain atlases and discover how they can revolutionize your neuroscientific journey!
Brain atlases are widely used in neuroscience as resources for conducting experimental studies, and for integrating, analyzing, and reporting data from animal models. A variety of atlases are available, and it may be challenging to find the optimal atlas for a given purpose and to perform efficient atlas-based data analyses. Comparing findings reported using different atlases is also not trivial, and represents a barrier to reproducible science. With this perspective article, we provide a guide to how mouse and rat brain atlases can be used for analyzing and reporting data in accordance with the FAIR principles that advocate for data to be findable, accessible, interoperable, and re-usable. We first introduce how atlases can be interpreted and used for navigating to brain locations, before discussing how they can be used for different analytic purposes, including spatial registration and data visualization. We provide guidance on how neuroscientists can compare data mapped to different atlases and ensure transparent reporting of findings. Finally, we summarize key considerations when choosing an atlas and give an outlook on the relevance of increased uptake of atlas-based tools and workflows for FAIR data sharing.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.