This is an image of the different types of neurons (brain cells) in the frontal cortex of a healthy brain. This research examines the microscopic changes in chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which is a type of dementia linked to repetitive head injuries. This image was created using a technique called multiplex fluorescent labelling to identify many different types of neurons all on a single piece of human brain tissue, to see which ones are affected in this disease. It was a pilot experiment where we tested whether the labelling would work on tissue from the Neurological Foundation Human Brain Bank.

Dr Helen Murray has developed a particular interest in the long-term impact of repetitive head injuries and their role in the development of dementia, likely sparked by a decade spent as a New Zealand Ice Hockey representative. Combining her passions for sport and neuroanatomy, she hopes to improve the brain health of athletes here in New Zealand.