Science originates from the proto-indo-european word root skē̆i- which means to cut, split, separate. Living up to the name, scientists separate signal from noise to help explain how the world functions. Neuroscientists, more than their brethren, observe their subject of study - the brain - from a distance. The brain is powerful machinery and we need to better understand the nitty-gritty of its engines before we can meddle. Just like you take a photo of something precious for posterity - in case it gets lost or destroyed if you touch it, scientists also take photos and render visualizations of the brain circuitry. The imagination of neuroscientists compensates for garbled evidence and helps connect the dots during brain renderings. Augmented by computational techniques, these visualizations of the brain are so outstanding that they qualify for modern art displayed at The Centre Pompidou.  

I am fascinated by the brain and its inner workings. Since sharing is caring, I’m introducing a different lens for looking at the brain: the artistic lens. For your enjoyment, I’ve collected below a select number of neuronal renderings that showcase the quick evolution of our understanding of the brain. South African biologist and Nobel Prize winner Sydney Brenner once said, “Progress in science depends on new techniques, new discoveries, and new ideas—probably in that order.” Based on the high-fidelity brain renderings obtained at the beginning of this year, we are on a solid path to new breakthroughs.