Brain maps are vital for scientists to understand the complicated organ, which allows us to be conscious, thinking, alert beings. Two studies were conducted by researchers to create such brain maps. And those brain maps were showcased on Wednesday in the journal Nature. These maps will play a significant role in gaining insight into both healthy and impaired brains.

One study has showed how parts of the brain are connected in a mouse. This is the most complete map ever created to show connection of different parts of the brain.

The other study showed how developing brain is assisted by genes. It showed which specific genes lead to generation of different types of neurons and how formation of brain circuit takes place in the brain.

Both the studies have done an amazing job to represent different, complementary ways of understanding the brain. One year ago, President Barack Obama announced the $100 million BRAIN Initiative to help researchers come up with new ways to treat, cure and prevent brain disorders like Alzheimer's, epilepsy and traumatic brain injury. The research was published after a year of the announcement made by Obama.

The issue of brain connectivity has been a great topic of discussion in past many years, however it has not been possible for gaining significant insight into the entire brain by combining individual studies. It has been hard because particular researchers have put emphasis on different parts of the brain.

"Now is the time for us to generate a comprehensive map in a systematic way because of the advancements of imaging technology and advancements of computing power", she said.

Researchers said they have produced the first ever map, which provides details of the connectivity of neurons in a whole brain of any mammal. It will certainly help many other researchers who are endeavoring in any area of brain research.