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Google AI Maps Fruit Fly Brain, 166,000 Neurons

9/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Google Research mapped the entire brain and central nervous system of an adult male fruit fly.
The MaleCNS v1.0 dataset records over 166,000 neurons and about 125 million synaptic connections.
AI combined millions of 2D images into 3D reconstructions, publishing the results on Sep 3 2026.
Software engineer Alex Wormuth linked the connectome to Doom, mapping frames to sensory neurons and using dopamine cells for reinforcement.

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Story summary

Google Research mapped the entire brain and central nervous system of an adult male fruit fly.
The MaleCNS v1.0 dataset records over 166,000 neurons and about 125 million synaptic connections.
AI combined millions of 2D images into 3D reconstructions, publishing the results on Sep 3 2026.
Software engineer Alex Wormuth linked the connectome to Doom, mapping frames to sensory neurons and using dopamine cells for reinforcement.