Susann Meyer

High power magnification of a neuronal network in a BENO. Axons are highlighted by staining of Neurofilament protein in green, glutamatergic neurons by staining of the Vesicular Glutamate Transporter protein in red and nuclei labelled in blue. The study by Zafeiriou et al. demonstrated for the first time that functional neuronal networks with properties of the human brain can be bioengineered from induced pluripotent stem cells at the macroscopic tissue scale. Network formation is key for normal brain function, including learning, and is compromised in disease such as epilepsia, dementia, or stroke.
Figures from Zafeiriou et al. (2020) GABA polarity switch and neuronal plasticity in Bioengineered Neuronal Organoids. Nat Commun, 11, 3791.

Sections through the three-dimensional reconstruction volume (upper left, grey) around a pulmonary alveolus with hyaline membrane (lower left, yellow). On the right, the images are superimposed. In the centre is the air bubble (alveolus). The electron density is represented by different shades of grey. On the inside of the air bubble is a layer of proteins and dead cell residues, the "hyaline membrane". This deposit, which can be represented in its three-dimensional structure for the first time by the new method, reduces the gas exchange and leads to respiratory distress.
Photo: Tim Salditt, Marina Eckermann