The neocortex is involved in higher order function such as conscious thinking and activating the movement of muscles. Yet, the structure of the neural networks within the neocortex has remained a mystery to scientists. Now a team at University of Southern California were able to label over 600 neuronal pathways within the neocortex of a mouse using tracer injections. A fluorescent compound was injected into the cortex, the movement of which the team followed under a microscope, tracing out the neuronal network. This allowed them to create a logical structure of the neocortex, revealing eight subnetworks, each with a unique topology.
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