The article discusses the creation of a high-resolution atlas that charts neural neighborhoods for over 5,300 cell types in the entire mouse brain. The atlas is the result of a groundbreaking collaboration, revealing the brain’s complexity and diversity by combining single-cell RNA sequencing with spatial transcriptomics. It uncovers the deep connection between a cell’s genetic identity and its spatial position, shedding light on the evolutionary history and interactions of different brain regions. The atlas presents a model for similar mappings in other species, including humans, and offers potential for genetically targeted treatments to address specific brain dysfunctions and diseases. The researchers also contributed to several other studies, expanding their impact beyond the mouse brain atlas.