Brain research in the third dimension

Madeline Lancaster, cell biologist at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, has developed a technique allowing her to create mini brains from cell cultures. These incredible organoids, no larger than the eraser at the end of a pencil, serve as a model for Madeline’s research into early human brain development and are enabling Madeline and her team to tackle the age-old question: what is it that distinguishes us as humans? More…