This is a very impressive (yet simple) methodology in that before this there was no understanding of where certain neurons were projecting in the brain, due to the fat tissue blocking any imaging possibilities. After this many connections were uncovered that were not well understood for years.
<a href="http://longbets.org/1/" rel="nofollow">http://longbets.org/1/</a><p>"Second, this phenomenon of ongoing exponential growth through a cascade of S-curves is far broader than computation. We see the same double exponential growth in a wide range of technologies, including communication technologies (wired and wireless), biological technologies (e.g., DNA base-pair sequencing), miniaturization, and of particular importance to the software of intelligence, brain reverse engineering (e.g., brain scanning, neuronal and brain region modeling)."
-Kurzweil
A video explaining and showing the technique: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-NMfp13Uug" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-NMfp13Uug</a>
Whole organ decellularization is not new - we've had transparent heart ECMs for quite some time. By loading the brain here with monomers, they kill the organ, whereas you can still use the transparent heart if you reload it with cells. Similar thing, different purposes.
This is huge for the fields of AI and Neuroscience. I would gladly donate my brain( preferably when I'm done with it) to give neuroscientists a map of the human brain. This map would be a great first step to creating strong AI.
Summary: infuse brain with hydrogel monomers, polymerize to form permeable polymer matrix, remove lipids with vigorous electrophoresis, bingo, transparent brain.