Geneticist Steve McCarroll wants to make an atlas of all the cells in the human body so that we can understand in precise detail how specific genes work, especially in the brain. In this fascinating talk, he shares his team's progress -- including their invention of "Drop-seq," a technology that allows scientists to analyze individual cells at a scale that was never before possible -- and describes how this research could lead to new ways of treating mental illnesses like schizophrenia.

Steve McCarroll: How data is helping us unravel the mysteries of the brain

How data is helping us unravel the mysteries of the brain

Innovations like Drop-seq transform brain study into a big-data challenge, offering new paths to understanding mental illnesses.

A discovery linking the C4 gene to schizophrenia risk showcases the power of genetics in unveiling the complexities of the brain.

The vision of transforming mental illness treatment draws inspiration from cancer's journey from mystery to manageable disease.