Neurolucida Features

This is just a short list of the features in the Neurolucida software system. For a complete list, please download our full feature list .

Selected Features

General Capabilities

We used our system almost every day for the last eight years with no major failure; we published more than 15 papers using Neurolucida. A terrific machine!

  • Brain mapping, neuron tracing, anatomical mapping, image analysis, and morphometry
  • Neurolucida’s basis is the overlay of computer window and microscope image, allowing for dynamic image analysis through multiple fields of view and magnifications
  • Acquire data from color or monochrome video cameras, confocal or EM image sets, or work directly within the microscope oculars using our patented Lucivid
  • Work at any magnification, automatically integrating data acquired at high and low powers into a unified anatomical information base
  • Use motorized stages or stage position encoders to accurately navigate through tissue preparations in the X, Y, and Z axes
  • Create high resolution, publication quality output
  • Work quickly and easily – Neurolucida is intuitive to use
  • Examine hundreds of morphometric parameters using analysis capabilities unavailable with any other software
  • Edit errors as they occur, or during post-acquisition review

Neuron Tracing

  • Trace and analyze branching neuron processes throughout single or serial sections
  • 3D measurement of bifurcating and trifurcating branching processes
  • Automatic measurement of process diameters and lengths while tracing
  • Analyze spine and bouton distribution, branch complexity, reconstructed volumes and surface areas…and more
  • Reconstruction from neurons contained in single or serial sections
  • Sophisticated morphometric analyses

Anatomical Mapping

  • Delineate anatomical regions for measurement or visualization
  • Make accurate anatomical maps and measurements of histologically distinct structures and regions
  • Map, classify, and count cells, and measure their locations, morphology and distribution throughout single or serial sections
  • Prepare anatomical maps for publication
  • Perform detailed morphometric analyses
  • Automatically make measurements while tracing

3D Reconstructions

Wire frame reconstructionWireframe serial section reconstruction

  • Create 3D serial section reconstructions in color with sophisticated, dynamic visualization techniques
  • Serial sections of neurons and anatomical maps can be reconstructed in 3D
  • Align serial sections swiftly and precisely to correct for misalignments of mounted sections
  • Shrinkage correction compensates for differential tissue shrinkage
  • 3D solid models can be created with transparency, perspective, and depth cueing
  • Stage controllers allow for precise alignment in X, Y and Z axes

Image Analysis

  • Particle counting
  • Interactive particle tracing
  • Densitometry
  • Area and Volume analysis
  • Export data to popular statistics and spreadsheet programs for the broadest range of analysis options
  • Use Neurolucida data files with third-party software for electrotonic modeling, analysis, and anatomical databases

Computer-controlled microscopy techniques

  • Neurolucida ensures accurate results and speeds your work
  • Focus position encoders for closed-loop focus control
  • Lens calibration including automatic correction for Snell’s law of optical refraction for accurate focal measurements using air, oil, and water immersion objectives
  • Automatic parfocal and parcentric correction when switching objective lenses
  • Use with most microscopes and commercially available hardware, including motorized stages, encoders, and frame grabbers
  • Upgrade with more advanced hardware when your budget permits

Other Utility Software Available Either Free, Public Domain, or Through Individual Investigators

  • Neuron- Electrotonic Modeling Software, reads Neurolucida files
  • NTS2NL – Converts Eutectic NTS data files to Neurolucida file format
  • Maxsim – Axonal simulation program and display program
  • CvApp – Duke Southampton Neuronal Morphology Archive

For more information about Neurolucida, call MBF Bioscience at 802.288.9290 or click here to request a price quotation.