Imagine you’re a detective trying to solve a mystery, but all you have is a few scattered clues. That’s how scientists felt in the 1980s when they first started studying connectomes – maps of the brain’s connections. Back then, only a small number of connectomes were available, and information about the human connectome was completely unknown. But with advancements in technology, like diffusion imaging, scientists can now access connectome data from various species and even multiple individuals within those species. It’s like going from solving a simple puzzle to unraveling an entire web of mysteries! Just think about it – we now have the UK Biobank on a mission to record connectivity in 100,000 human subjects alone. And it’s not just humans – we have connectome data for worms, flies, pigeons, cats, monkeys, and more. This review provides an exciting glimpse into the vast amount of structural connectivity data that scientists have access to today. It explores how connectomes are organized and reveals common patterns across different species. With so much data at our fingertips, there are new opportunities for groundbreaking discoveries and insights into how our brains work. So put on your scientific detective hat and dive into the fascinating world of connectome research!
The analysis of whole brain networks started in the 1980s when only a handful of connectomes were available. In these early days, information about the human connectome was absent and one could only dream about having information about connectivity in a single human subject. Thanks to non-invasive methods such as diffusion imaging, we now know about connectivity in many species and, for some species, in many individuals. To illustrate the rapid change in availability of connectome data, the UK Biobank is on track to record structural and functional connectivity in 100,000 human subjects. Moreover, connectome data from a range of species is now available: from Caenorhabditis elegans and the fruit fly to pigeons, rodents, cats, non-human primates, and humans. This review will give a brief overview of what structural connectivity data is now available, how connectomes are organized, and how their organization shows common features across species. Finally, I will outline some of the current challenges and potential future work in making use of connectome information.
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.