A probabilistic histological atlas of the human brain for MRI segmentation
In a groundbreaking development in neuroscience, researchers have unveiled NextBrain, an open-source probabilistic atlas of the entire human brain, which is set to revolutionize the way brain imaging is analyzed and understood. Published in *Nature* on November 5, 2025, this ambitious project utilizes advanced artificial intelligence techniques for registration and segmentation, enabling the reconstruction of multimodal serial histology from five human half brains. By integrating these sophisticated methodologies, NextBrain provides a comprehensive and detailed mapping of the human brain, allowing for the automatic segmentation of brain MRI scans into 333 distinct regions.
The significance of NextBrain lies in its potential applications across various fields, including clinical neuroscience, neurology, and neuropsychology. Traditional brain atlases often fall short in terms of precision and adaptability, but NextBrain’s probabilistic nature allows for more accurate representations of individual brain structures, accommodating the inherent variability found in human anatomy. For instance, clinicians can utilize this atlas to enhance the interpretation of MRI scans, leading to better diagnosis and treatment planning for neurological disorders. Moreover, researchers studying brain connectivity and function can leverage NextBrain to explore the intricate relationships between different brain regions, ultimately advancing our understanding of cognitive processes and neurodevelopmental trajectories.
The development of NextBrain underscores the transformative power of artificial intelligence in medical research. By harnessing AI for the segmentation and mapping of brain structures, scientists can create tools that not only improve accuracy but also streamline the research process. As an open-source resource, NextBrain encourages collaboration and innovation within the scientific community, inviting researchers worldwide to contribute to and benefit from this comprehensive brain atlas. This initiative not only represents a significant leap in neuroimaging technology but also paves the way for future advancements in personalized medicine and brain research, promising to deepen our understanding of the human brain and its complexities.
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Nature, Published online: 05 November 2025;
doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09708-2
NextBrain is an open source, probabilistic atlas of the entire human brain, assembled using artificial-intelligence-enabled registration and segmentation methods to reconstruct the multimodal serial histology of five human half brains, and which can be used to automatically segment brain MRI scans into 333 regions.
