FlyTulane

Citizen-science annotation for whole-neuron electron microscopy. Proofread AI predictions, build consensus labels, and power research-grade 3D reconstructions.

Neuron

Skeleton Mask Editor

Navigate the 3D skeleton of a reconstructed neuron, select a branch, and refine binary segmentation masks frame by frame.

Browse Neurons
Mitochondria

Tile Volume Editor

Browse a spatial grid of EM image stacks with multi-color overlays for organelles. Correct boundaries and merge labels across z-slices.

Browse Tiles

About the project

We image entire neurons at nanometer resolution with serial block-face electron microscopy, then apply deep-learning models to segment subcellular structures. Volunteers correct prediction errors; independent edits from multiple annotators are pooled into consensus labels for research-grade 3D reconstructions and quantitative analysis.

Why this matters

By mapping mitochondrial size, shape, and distribution across entire neurons — cell bodies, dendrites, and axon terminals — we aim to understand how nerve cells regulate the placement of their energy sources to meet local metabolic demands.

Why we need you

AI models segment these massive volumes but still misplace boundaries. Human annotators catch subtle errors that algorithms miss. Each small edit brings us closer to accurate, publication-quality reconstructions.

How do I get started?

Create an account, then pick an activity above. For neurons, open the 3D viewer, click a branch segment, and start proofreading masks. For mitochondria, pick a tile from the grid and edit the colored overlays.

How does the paintbrush work?

Select Add to paint or Subtract to erase. Adjust Brush size with the slider, use Opacity to compare against the raw EM image, and hit Save when you're done. Keyboard shortcuts: A add, S subtract, navigate.

How do I approve my work?

When a frame looks correct, click Approve Step (neurons) or Approve Frame (mito). Approved items turn green in the progress bar. Three independent annotators review each unit of work.

Tips for efficient annotation

Save often and work in short passes. Use the opacity slider to check edits against the base image. Use arrow keys to quickly move between frames. Assign yourself a segment or tile before editing so your changes are saved.