Mapping the Human Brain with Expansion X-ray Microscopy @ WBE Workshop 2023

In this talk summary, Logan Collins discusses the concept of expansion x-ray microscopy as a potential solution for faster brain imaging. Current technologies like electron microscopy and light sheet imaging are slow for mapping the brain. Collins proposes that expansion x-ray microscopy may be able to image the brain much faster than existing methods. He introduces synchrotron x-ray microscopy, which offers fast imaging results through non-destructive techniques like x-ray microtomography or nanotomography. Collins also discusses the combination of expansion microscopy and x-ray microscopy to achieve nanoscale connectomics. He highlights the use of horseradish peroxidase for contrast and the challenges of imaging hydrated samples. Collins believes that synchrotron facilities can provide fast imaging capabilities, potentially imaging a human brain at 4X expansion and 300 nanometer actual voxel size in just 10 seconds. He suggests that a single beam line at a synchrotron facility, optimized for expansion x-ray microscopy, could image an entire human brain in approximately a year. However, achieving optimal voxel size for tracing and better contrast may require further optimizations and longer imaging time. Overall, expansion x-ray microscopy shows promise as a faster brain imaging technology.