The most common method for 3-dimensional analysis of neural activity (functional MRI) cannot be applied to small animals because of the resolution of the images. As a result, many neurobiologists measure neural activity in 2-dimensional slices. However, recent advances in image manipulation should enable the 3-D reconstruction of brain activity maps from 2-D images. There are several published reports of methods that create 3-D maps from 2-D images, and at least one of these uses publicly available software.

In our lab, we use a neural activity markers to study auditory processing in small frogs. Our goal is to develop a method for creating 3-D activity maps from our brain images. This would enable us to study brain-wide neural activity patterns. If successful, the technique could revolutionize our understanding of auditory processing in frogs and, as a consequence, the evolution of the brain.