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Allen Institute


Scientists identify a new kind of human brain cell

Researchers discover a new type of human brain cell that has never been seen in mice and other laboratory animals. These 'rosehip neurons' may play a role in fine-level control between regions of the human brain, and their absence in rodents suggests difficulties in modeling human brain diseases.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 27, 2018

Democratizing single-cell analysis

Scientists at Allen Institute and University of Washington developed scalable SPLiT-seq method to characterize RNA in individual cells, enabling identification of various cell types in the brain. The technique significantly lowers the cost barrier for labs that want to perform single-cell profiling.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalScience·DateMar 15, 2018

A turbo engine for tracing neurons

Researchers designed UltraTracer to work with existing algorithms, turbo-charging them for faster processing and larger datasets. The software can compare tens of thousands of neuron shapes to better understand cell types.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 27, 2017

Using genes to understand the brain's building blocks

Researchers at the Allen Institute for Brain Science have developed a taxonomy of cells in the mouse visual cortex based on single-cell gene expression, identifying 42 neuronal and 7 non-neuronal cell types. This study provides a basic understanding of brain function by categorizing cellular building blocks.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 4, 2016

Gene activity in the brain depends on genetic background

A new study found that gene activity patterns in the brain differ significantly among individuals with varying genetic backgrounds. The study, published in PNAS, mapped gene expression across 49 genes in seven genetically distinct mouse groups, revealing localized differences in gene activity.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2010