Scientists have been working for a long time on understanding the human brain. Fortunately, they’ve made a lot of progress using various imaging techniques. One problem has been how to study the human brain without hurting people — and one answer has been animal studies. Rats are popular for this — even though you might not think your brain has anything in common with a rat’s! Rats are mammals like us, and studying their brains has been very helpful for brain researchers. Now researchers are working on a 3D virtual atlas of the rat’s brain, so that scientists can put together everything they already know and guide future research. Hear about it here: New Program Maps Virtual Rat Brain In 3D : NPR.
Scientists plan to work on an atlas of the human brain as well. That will be fascinating and may lead to new insights about human biology and behavior. (But can they help me find my car keys?)