Researchers recreate a brain, piece by piece

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have created a method for growing and connecting single neurons using geometric patterns to route the neurons more precisely, cell by cell. The article, “Assembly and Connection of Micropatterned Single Neurons for Neuronal Network Formation,” appeared in Micromachines, a journal of molecular machinery. Thus far researchers have created simple brain matter using “in vitro cultures,” a process that grows neurons haphazardly in a clump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices