Researchers have developed a technique that takes brain mapping
to a new level, allowing them to label individual neurons in the
brain in different colors. The technique, dubbed 'brainbow' by
the researchers involved, could help scientists gain a better
understanding of brain function than previous staining
techniques allow. "There are few tools neuroscientists can use
to tease out the wiring diagram of the nervous system; Brainbow
should help us much better map out the brain and nervous
system's complex tangle of neurons," said Jeff Lichtman, one of
the authors of a report on the technique published in the
journal Nature. (Full disclosure: Lichtman is also the father of
Science Friday digital media producer Flora Lichtman.) In this
segment, Ira talks with Lichtman about the technique and its
potential applications to neuroscience. Produced by Karin
Vergoth