With over 100 billion neurons and 100 trillion synaptic connections, our human brain is enormously complex. Now, a collaborative, multidisciplinary effort is set to revolutionise brain research and treatment.
Brain research has changed enormously in the past few years. High-resolution imaging techniques, such as MRI and PET scans, allow scientists to observe brain structures and activities in real time, individual neural connections can be mapped, and new computational models and artificial intelligence has helped scientists to simulate brain activity and predict outcomes.
Researchers now want to use all this information to create a detailed map of the brain.
This complex map could open the way to the development of more effective treatments and drugs for neuro-psychiatric disorders.
In creating such a practical aid, you need to map the roads and other features and work out the navigation. You also have to fill in the details like what time the shops are open and what kind of restaurants are around. It is the same when you do a map of the brain – you need all sorts of different information.
From computational models that simulate and attempt to predict brain function, to neuroscience approaches that bridge basic research with clinical applications, everything must be included for a comprehensive atlas of the brain.
The scientists’ objectives include developing new standards for brain atlases and integrating multi-level data of healthy and pathological brains.
The creation of digital twins – continuously updated, computer-based brain models – will help develop personalised brain maps for more targeted diagnostics and therapy for neurosurgery and the treatment of conditions such as epilepsy.
This research could lead to innovative solutions for neuro-inspired computing and cognitive technologies such as neurorobotics and artificial intelligence.
This brain atlas will serve as a hub for neuroscience data, provide supercomputing power for further groundbreaking research, outline a scientific roadmap for future research, and train users from academia, industry and SMEs on the use of new, innovative technologies.