This image shows a collection of neurons within the brain. The enlarged, or cytomegalic, neurons (red and green) are characteristic of specific conditions which result in epileptic seizures, namely, focal cortical dysplasia type II (FCDII) and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). It is believed that these conditions result in epileptic activity due to a hyperactive mTOR pathway – a pathway which is crucial in controlling the production of cells, and has been associated with these cytomegalic neurons.

Mr Spyrou, a PhD student at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, uses these neurons to test new treatments for patients affected by these conditions. By measuring the activity of these neurons, they can see how they are affected by possible treatments. He hopes this will lead to the discovery of a therapy which alleviates the severity of seizures in individuals with these neurological conditions. Furthermore, this is a striking visual reminder of how disease modelling is fundamental to our ability to both understand, and treat neurological conditions.