What would a synthetic connectome look like?

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Synthetic Biology
• Computational Neuroscience

Background:

• Understanding the brain's connectome (neural connections) is a key neuroscience challenge.
• Traditional research uses reverse-engineering; synthetic biology uses forward-engineering (construction).
• Connectomics and synthetic biology are advancing independently.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose synthetic connectomics, a novel field combining connectomics and synthetic biology.
• To explore the potential of artificially designing and constructing connectomes in live organisms.
• To establish a platform for understanding brain complexity and testing network theories.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual review and proposal of a new scientific field.
• Delineation of the synthetic connectome concept.
• Contemplation of implementation strategies and societal impact.

Main Results:

• Introduction of synthetic connectomics as a novel interdisciplinary approach.
• Identification of potential applications in understanding brain function and generating artificial life.
• Outlining initial steps and considerations for the field's development.

Conclusions:

• Synthetic connectomics offers a powerful, construction-based approach to neuroscience.
• This field could unify efforts in understanding brain complexity and exploring theoretical predictions.
• It presents opportunities for empirical exploration and advancing artificial life research.