Building a Brainbow (broadcast Friday, November 2nd, 2007)

(Credits: Tamily Weissman, Jean Livet, Joshua Sanes, Jeff Lichtman) See More Videos

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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. Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.