“Paper Brains: An open source 3D paper model”

Artist: Jessica Lammert

Abstract

Keeping in theme with this year’s virtual conference, I wanted to create something that people could access online but also experience in physical reality. I realized that the 3D brain images we obtain from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are not unlike the 3D models we see in movies and video games and could therefore be manipulated in any 3D imaging software. I used open source software and packages, including 3D Slicer (slicer.org) and blender (blender.org), to convert a structural MRI scan of my brain into a foldable 3D paper model. I reduced the original highly detailed model from approximately 200,000 polygons in each hemisphere to only 36 (72 faces total). The final product is a printable document that anyone can fold, customize, and display at home. Coloured and blank versions will be available for download on the Open Science Framework (OSF) with instructions. The process of creating one of these Paper Brains is like making origami or doing a puzzle. The brain can be customized to your artistic liking or labelled for a basic neuroanatomy lesson. So while we are physically disconnected, I hope you can enjoy this project in your own homes and have some fun!