SEATTLE, April 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — The Allen Institute for
Brain Science has released the world’s first anatomically and
genomically comprehensive human brain map, a previously unthinkable
feat made possible through leading-edge technology and more than
four years of rigorous studies and documentation. The
unprecedented mappings are the foundation for the Allen Human Brain
Atlas, an online public resource developed to advance the
Institute’s goal to accelerate understanding of how the human brain
works and fuel new discovery among the global research
community.
In developing the Allen Human Brain Atlas, the Allen Institute
has now thoroughly characterized and mapped the biochemistry of two
normal adult human brains, providing opportunities for scientists
to study the brain with new detail and accuracy. The data
reveal a striking 94 percent similarity between human brains,
establishing strong patterns as a critical foundation for
translational and clinical research. In addition, data
analysis from the two human brains indicate that at least 82
percent of all human genes are expressed in the brain, highlighting
its tremendous complexity while also providing an essential genetic
blueprint to understand brain functionality better and propel
research in neurologic disease and other brain disorders.
“Until now, a definitive map of the human brain, at this level
of detail, simply hasn’t existed,” said Allan Jones, Ph.D., Chief
Executive Officer of the Allen Institute for Brain Science. “The
Allen Human Brain Atlas provides never-before-seen views into our
most complex and most important organ. Understanding how our genes
are used in our brains will help scientists and the medical
community better understand and discover new treatments for the
full spectrum of brain diseases and disorders, from mental illness
and drug addiction, to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases,
multiple sclerosis, autism and more.”
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