A comprehensive, FAIR file format for neuroanatomical structure modeling

With advances in microscopy and computer science, the technique of digitally reconstructing, modeling, and quantifying microscopic anatomies has become central to many fields of biological research. MBF Bioscience has chosen to openly document their digital reconstruction file format, Neuromorphological File Specification (4.0), available at www.mbfbioscience.com/filespecification (Angstman et al. 2020). One of such technologies, the format created and maintained by MBF Bioscience is broadly utilized by the neuroscience community. The data format’s structure and capabilities have evolved since its inception, with modifications made to keep pace with advancements in microscopy and the scientific questions raised by worldwide experts in the field. More recent modifications to the neuromorphological data format ensure it abides by the Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) data standards promoted by the International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility (INCF; Wilkinson et al. 2016). The incorporated metadata make it easy to identify and repurpose these data types for downstream application and investigation. This publication describes key elements of the file format and details their relevant structural advantages in an effort to encourage the reuse of these rich data files for alternative analysis or reproduction of derived conclusions.