The current challenge in brain mapping is data sharing and integrating information into a coherent, accessible form that permits hierarchical analysis from RNA to protein to morphology to connectivity to experimental behavioral and clinical sciences.

Efforts driven by collaboration, coordination, and computation should yield the data, tools, and resources that neuroscientists will need in the coming decades. New electronic publications [such as PLoS Biology, launched today, and free to subscribers] with open access may accelerate this process.