NeuroVerse: Immersive exploration of 3D ultrastructural brain reconstructions for education and collaborative analysis

Corrado Calì, Marco Agus

Abstract: We introduce NeuroVerse, a framework designed to support the immersive exploration of 3D nanometric-scale reconstructions of structural and ultrastructural neural or glial cellular processes of the central nervous system. Utilizing image stacks acquired through volume electron microscopy, NeuroVerse reconstructs detailed 3D mesh models and integrates absorption signals, enabling deployment within a Metaverse environment. This framework facilitates innovative educational and collaborative analysis experiences, particularly in neuroanatomy and neuroscience. We present a comprehensive methodology, including a pipeline for 3D model creation, segmentation, mesh reconstruction, and heatmap computation, optimized for the Spatial.io ecosystem. Our contributions include the development of a virtual anatomy lab for immersive neuroanatomy education and collaborative sessions focusing on morphology spatial correlation and neuroenergetic absorption models. Preliminary results indicate significant potential for enhancing neuroscience education, improving remote collaboration among scientists, and democratizing access to advanced neuroscientific data and tools.