Chennai, June 13:
In a major breakthrough in neuroscience, Indian Institute of Technology Madras has released the world’s most detailed 3D atlas of the human brainstem, marking a significant milestone in brain research and clinical science.
Developed by the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre (SGBC), the atlas—named ANCHOR (Atlas of Neurochemical Characterization of the Human Brainstem with 3D Reconstruction)—offers the most comprehensive, multi-modal mapping of the human brainstem to date. The atlas spans developmental stages from prenatal to adult brains, providing unprecedented insights into one of the most complex regions of the human brain.
The project integrates advanced imaging and computational techniques to transform entire human brains into 3D, cell-resolution atlases. Researchers reconstructed over 200 brainstem nuclei and fibre tracts using hundreds of serial sections. To identify distinct neurochemical cell types, eight complementary immunostains were applied across more than 500 sections, enabling highly detailed mapping.
Importantly, the ANCHOR atlas has been made publicly accessible, ensuring that researchers, clinicians and medical institutions worldwide can benefit from this cutting-edge resource. The initiative is expected to significantly aid in identifying specific cell populations affected in brainstem-related disorders, improving diagnosis and treatment strategies.
The atlas was formally released by Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Ajay Kumar Sood, during the 3rd BRICS Neuroscience Symposium 2026 held at IIT Madras. In his address, he described the project as a landmark achievement in neurobiology, highlighting its integration of MRI, histology and chemo-architectural data into a unified framework.
IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti noted that the research places the institute at the forefront of global brain science. He added that the Centre is also studying brain changes associated with diseases such as rabies, dementia and Alzheimer’s, paving the way for deeper understanding of neurological conditions.