Changes in database and file structure outlined in Aims 1 and 2 above will increase the depth and power of the MBL. It is therefore imperative that this overhaul of the underlying core of the MBL be accompanied by a significant improvement in its ease of use. While some of the interface enhancements will no doubt be suggested by users of the MBL (and we plan to implement them during the course of the proposal), we currently have in mind a number of interface enhancements:

• Improve navigation from slide, to images, to specific coordinates
• Create JavaScript and Java applets for faster and more transparent navigation through the MBL collection
• Integrate the iScope through-focus series (short video clips) with static images in the MBL
• Combine segmented vector graphics from the NeuroCartographer Project with MBL images
• Allow searches by regions of interest (ROIs), anatomical structures, and standard stereotaxic coordinates
• Allow custom downloads of 12-bit and color images
• Allow creation of customized CD-ROM (or DVD-RAM) of images