EyeWire

EyeWire is an online citizen science project aimed at mapping the connectome, the network of connections between neurons in the brain. The project is hosted by the Seung Lab at the Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University. EyeWire was launched in December 2012 and has since engaged thousands of volunteers from around the world in the process of neuroscience research.

Overview

EyeWire allows participants, known as "EyeWirers," to contribute to scientific research by playing an online game. The game involves tracing the paths of neurons through 3D images of brain tissue. These images are obtained using electron microscopy, which provides high-resolution images of the brain's structure. The primary goal of EyeWire is to map the retina's neural connections. The retina is a layer of tissue at the back of the eye that is responsible for converting light into neural signals. By understanding the retina's connectome, researchers hope to gain insights into how the brain processes visual information.

Gameplay

In the EyeWire game, players are presented with a cube containing a small portion of brain tissue. They are tasked with tracing the branches of a single neuron through the cube. The game provides tools for players to color in the neuron and follow its path through the tissue. As players trace the neuron, their work is compared to that of other players to ensure accuracy. The game is designed to be accessible to people with no background in neuroscience. EyeWire provides tutorials and guidance to help new players get started. Advanced players can earn points and achieve higher ranks by completing more challenging tasks.

Scientific Impact

EyeWire has made significant contributions to the field of neuroscience. The data generated by EyeWirers has been used to create detailed maps of neural connections in the retina. These maps have provided new insights into how the retina processes visual information and have led to several scientific publications. The success of EyeWire has also demonstrated the potential of crowdsourcing in scientific research. By engaging a large community of volunteers, EyeWire has been able to process vast amounts of data that would be difficult for a small team of researchers to handle alone.

Community

EyeWire has a vibrant and active community of players. The project hosts regular competitions and events to keep players engaged and motivated. The EyeWire community also includes a forum where players can discuss strategies, share tips, and connect with other participants.

Future Directions

The success of EyeWire has inspired the development of other citizen science projects in neuroscience and beyond. The Seung Lab continues to explore new ways to engage the public in scientific research and to expand the scope of EyeWire to other areas of the brain.

Related Pages

• Neuron
• Connectome
• Electron microscopy
• Retina
• Princeton Neuroscience Institute
• Crowdsourcing
• Citizen science