CARNIVORA BRAIN PROJECT

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MRI Canid Atlases

A domestic dog brain atlas created with the help of high school students participating in our research. Currently this atlas is being updated. Please check back soon for complete atlases of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), fennec fox (Vulpes zerda), maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), coyote (Canis latrans) and Eurasian wolf (Canis lupus lupus)

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Community Engagement

The Carnivora Brain Project is a public educational program aimed at educating the public on canid and felid cognition, neuroanatomy and evolution. Through our ongoing collaboration with Des Moines Public Schools Central Campus, we offer qualifying high school students the opportunity to participate in ongoing research in canid and felid neuroanatomy, collaboratively building 3D models and digital atlases of the to be used by students and researchers in comparative anatomy. Several of our high school participants have subsequently gone on to participate in the District and State Science fair as well as internships at other competitive research laboratories. As part of this initiative the EBL has also hosted a Carnivora Brain Interest Group (CBIG) which has brought together community partners and other researchers. Below are a few examples of ongoing work completed by our high school research students.

3D Reconstructions of the Carnivora brain

This model shows the surface topography, white matter and the amygdala of the domestic dog. Video and modelling was performed by mentored research student Brian Whyms with assistance from Central Campus student Naveen Nath. Subscribe to our Youtube channel for updates as new 3D models are posted >More video

Bridging the Gap Between Science and Start-Up!

Drawing upon on existing partnerships (Des Moines Public Schools, Central Campus and Kemin Industries) students from the Neuro-SMART program have developed a business model aimed at enhancing anatomy instruction through the development and sale of 3D printed models of the canid brain. Students in the program receive training in the creation of 3D printed models, 3D printing and key business concepts to help them market their products to classrooms across the nation. Income generated will help fund the running costs of the project and initiate a service project aimed at educating other high school students about brain anatomy and brain health. Below we present some preliminary images of 3D printed models made during the pilot phase of this project as presented at the 2018 Des Moines University Research Symposium, where student researcher Aracely Miron-O'Campo won first place in the high school research category.

Read the DMU Dose Article! Read the DMPS Article!

Stay tuned for our forthcoming student run Business website with images and pricing of 3D printed models available for purchase.