Whirlwind of neurites extending from fluorescent neurons in cultured explants of embryonic mouse brain tissue--Judges' Award Winner, Honorable Mention. In Art of Science

Caption: Molecular programs for neuronal development can unfold semi-autonomously, allowing these neurons from tiny pieces of embryonic brain tissue on a vast, alien culture dish to grow into elaborate forms.
Participant category: Graduate student
Department: Neurosciences

Embryonic mouse neurons labeled with green fluorescent protein, with profusions of neurites extending outwards in swirls. Image captured on a confocal STORM microscope at 10x magnification. The neurons are nascent inhibitory interneurons within tissue explants microdissected from embryonic mouse brains and grown on top of a primary cortical culture for 8 days.