Princeton (N.J.) University researchers developed a method to record three-dimensional footage of neural activity in a worm species, according to AANS Neurosurgeon. The worm species, called nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, is one-millimeter in length with 302 neurons.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences published the report.
Here are four observations:
1. The researchers found the activity of 77 neurons in the worms' nervous systems were associated with the worms' specific behavior.
2. This behavior included actions such as forward motion and turning.
3. The study was the first to provide a detailed understanding of brain neural activity with "single-neuron resolution in the brain."
4. Since a worm is a simple organism, the researchers predict it will be several years before this test can be executed on humans.
More articles on spine:
NY spine surgeries migrating to high-volume centers — 5 key points
6 key thoughts on building a spine care registry with EHR data
Cervical Spine Research Society elects Dr. Robert Heary president: 6 key notes