Project description
Innovative system for imaging neural circuits
The comprehensive exploration of neural circuits relies on electron microscopes that generate data with sufficient resolving power. While X-ray microscopy facilitates rapid imaging of large samples, the resolving power is not enough to visualise neural connections. X-ray holographic nanotomography is a 3D coherent imaging technique that generates exceptional contrast in soft tissue through phase contrast. The EU-funded BRILLIANCE project will develop a system for imaging neural circuits at the synaptic level in large tissue volumes, including sample preparation, image acquisition and image reconstruction methods. The project will also develop an automatic image analysis tool and create pioneering maps of brain circuits with immediate impact in neurosciences.
Objective
The overarching goal of this project is to establish a novel technique for neuroimaging to probe large tissue volumes at the nanometre scale. Currently only electron microscopes are capable of generating data with sufficient resolving power for comprehensive exploration of the neural circuits that underlie brain function. With state of the art systems, imaging just one cubic mm of brain entails years of data collection, ultra-thin sectioning which is prone to errors and data loss, and prohibitive costs. Each circuit unit spans over large distances, thus access to millimetre sized volumes of view is essential for both fundamental and therapeutic discoveries in neurosciences. Today this is an unreachable goal. In contrast, X-ray microscopy facilitates rapid imaging of large samples but the resolving power is not sufficient to visualize neural connections. Thus, at present, resolving large neural circuits is hardly imaginable. The aim of this project is to overcome these limitations and to develop an integrative approach which will open new research perspectives. X-ray holographic nano-tomography is a 3D coherent imaging technique which is capable of generating exceptional contrast in soft tissue through phase contrast. The penetrating power of X-rays and the full-field, free space propagation setup enable rapid multiscale imaging of large samples which are opaque to visible light. By combining a highly brilliant X-ray nanoprobe, a carefully designed nanopositioning system, a cutting edge detection system and cryogenics for sample preservation, isotropic 3D spatial resolution better than 30 nm is conceivable. The objectives of this interdisciplinary project are to 1) develop a system for imaging neural circuits at synaptic level in large tissue volumes, including methods for sample preparation, image acquisition and image reconstruction 2) develop an automatic image analysis tool 3) create unprecedented maps of brain circuits with immediate impact in neurosciences.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences neurobiology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
ERC-STG - Starting Grant
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2019-STG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
38000 Grenoble
France
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.