Jess Kelly: The Threads that Define us

The human brain holds many mysteries, and is difficult to investigate. This image captures a 3-dimensional model which enables the self-organization and differentiation of human stem cells into neural cells including neurons (green) and supporting glial cells (red), with minimal external manipulation. Imaged in 3D using optical clearing, this image captures connected tracts of these cells, recapitulating tracts in the human brain. This modelling can display markers of neurological disease, improves understanding of neural development and therapeutic options. This image represents both the relevance of this model in understanding the human brain, and the ability to capture these in 3D. 

This image was uploaded for the SGS Research Showcase 2022.  

Choose your favourite image for the SGS Research Showcase People's Choice Award: Research Image category.