A tridimensional atlas of the developing human head. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38070509/)

These scientists wanted to learn more about how the head develops in humans. They knew a lot about how the heads of different animals develop, but they didn't know much about how human heads grow.

To find out, the scientists used special techniques to look at the cells in developing human heads. They used a process called whole-mount immunostaining, which helps them see different types of cells in the head. They also used 3D imaging techniques to create a detailed picture of how the cells are arranged in the head.

By doing this, the scientists were able to create a special map, or atlas, of how the different parts of the head develop. They looked at things like muscles, blood vessels, cartilage, nerves, and glands in the head. This map is available on a special website so that other scientists can look at it too.

By studying how the head develops, the scientists hope to learn more about problems that can happen with the head, like birth defects or disorders that affect the brain. They also hope that their research can help doctors find better ways to diagnose and treat these problems in the future.

Blain R., Couly G., Shotar E., Blevinal J., Toupin M., Favre A., Abjaghou A., Inoue M., Hernandez-Garzon E., Clarencon F., Chalmel F., Mazaud-Guittot S., Giacobini P., Gitton Y., Chedotal A. A tridimensional atlas of the developing human head. Cell. 2023 Dec 21;186(26):5910-5924.e17. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.11.013. Epub 2023 Dec 8.