What is Stereology technique?
Stereology is the process of sampling and counting material using specific protocols to obtain an estimate of a quantitative parameter, such as number, length, volume, etc. Obtaining accurate estimates is a critical component of producing a study outcome with statistical validity.
At what age does the Neo Cortex develop?
The rational part of a teen’s brain isn’t fully developed and won’t be until age 25 or so. In fact, recent research has found that adult and teen brains work differently. Adults think with the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s rational part.
Why is Stereology important?
When properly used, stereology plays an important role in validating and rejecting experimental hypotheses in biological research. It produces results that are unbiased, efficient, and more reliable than other ad hoc quantitative analyses.
How is the hippocampus affected by autism?
The anatomy of the structure may be somewhat atypical in the condition. One study of 8- to 12-year-olds found that children with autism have a larger right hippocampus than controls do, but this size difference diminishes as the children get older3.
What is design based stereology?
Design-based stereology provides the tools for obtaining accurate, precise quantitative structural data from tissue sections. It differs from other morphometric methods based on tissue section analysis by providing estimates that are statistically valid, truly three-dimensional, and referent to the entire organ.
What is stereological cell counting?
Stereological Cell Counting Counting the number cells in a region of interest with stereology yields reliable quantitative data which can be used to determine if the number of cells differs between experimental and control groups. When quantifying cells, counting a unique point on a cell is recommended.
What does the neo cortex do?
The neocortex is the center for higher brain functions, such as perception, decision-making and language. Our group focuses on the mechanisms governing neocortex development, with a strong interest on the role and regulation of the neural stem cells.
How developed is a 16 year old brain?
By age 16, most teens are developing the ability to think abstractly, deal with several concepts at the same time, and imagine the future consequences of their actions. They may also begin to grasp political, moral, social, and philosophical concepts. Most teens know the right thing to do.
Can you see autism in a brain scan?
It found that a brain scan and computer algorithm using five different measurements of brain shape and structure was up to 85% accurate in identifying the autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) in adults. These measurements could be used as a “biomarker” for autistic spectrum disorders, the researchers say.
What is the optical fractionator method?
The optical fractionator technique is designed to provide estimates of the total number of cells from thick sections sampled from the full structure. When correctly implemented, the sensitivity and efficiency of the optical fractionator provides accurate estimates with a fixed and predetermined precision.
What is the neocortex for kids?
The neocortex is the newest part of the cerebral cortex to evolve. The six-layer neocortex is a distinguishing feature of mammals; it has been found in the brains of all mammals, but not in any other animals. In humans, 90% of the cerebral cortex is neocortex.