Brain butterflies

Description

This image originally appeared as part of Northwestern's Scientific Images Contest. The contest and subsequent exhibitions are organized by Science in Society, the university's research center for science education and public engagement. Further information and opportunities to participate are available on their website. Prints and canvas editions of these Northwestern research images can also be purchased online (with the small net profit going to science education and outreach programming in the Chicago area).

Abstract

This image shows three slices of a stained mouse brain. Each slice is about the size of your pinky fingernail. Colored stains help scientists pinpoint the location of particular brain cell types. In this image, only the cells that carry the protein RBP4 show red (all other cells in this sample are blue). Scientists study how these RBP4 cells create new connections to other brain cells. This could lead to new treatments that help neurons repair damaged networks.

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