|
|
|
Understanding the brain
One of the most complex creations in the human body is the brain. Scientists are trying to understand it and are gathering knowledge on its structure as well as on its functioning for about a century now. However, even today’s advanced technology has yet to explore the many intricate corners of this amazing machine.
There are various projects in the world under which attempts are being made to reproduce the various functions of the human brain. In relation to the current developments in brain sciences, the quest began about 40 years ago, when the renowned scientist Wilfred Rall gave the idea of designing models for individual neurons.
Unfortunately, due to lack of resources and scientific skills required for the project, Rall’s proposal was not accepted. But today, technology has developed to the point that it’s possible to create a neuron. So, the latest initiative involves a unique simulation of the brain, which has been called the Blue Brain Project.
The project is the first ever initiative that is aimed at creating complete computer simulation of the human brain, right up to the very minute molecular level.
Project details
When the idea was first aired, the theme was to create models of neurons. However, now the focus has shifted to the microcircuit paradigm. This shift has been made possible by the years of hard work put in by neuroscientists who gathered the required data in a combined model and then tested the same for different simulations.
Scientists today are working on the concept that simulations will help in understanding the inner world closely, and the quest for designing more simulation projects is the focus of attention in the neurosciences arena.
The Blue Brain Project is aimed at combining the efficiencies of human intelligence and the computer in order to reproduce the working of various parts of the human brain. This project has been based on the use of IBM’s Server Blue Gene Supercomputer power which has a peak processing power of over 22.8 teraflops. This means that it has a theoretical output of 22.8 trillion calculations per second. This speed should put the project’s computer among the world’s top 15 supercomputers.
The use of computers is a must in such research projects since the brain has a very complex and vast network of neuronal communications. The physical structure and electrochemical functions of the brain are known to be intricate, with constantly changing internal circuitry at different times of the day, different works, thoughts and moods of an individual. All these aspects require a fast calculating machine.
Companies like IBM and the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland are collaborating with each other for designing a digital model of the brain. The project is planned in such a way that in the next two years, scientists of both the organisations will design a descriptive model of the circuitry in the neuro cortex area of the brain.
The neurocortex is the biggest and the most multifaceted area of the human brain, which comprises about 85 per cent of its total mass. The neurocortex has a collection of neural networks measuring up to 0.5mm by 2mm. These units contain between 10 and 70,000 neurons. The neurocortex is the centre of the cognitive functions of the brain — learning, language skills, memory and complex reasoning.
With the help of the digital model, neuroscientists working on the project will run computer-based simulations of the brain at the molecular level, observing and evaluating internal processes such as thoughts, perception, consciousness and memory. The project will enable scientists to study the electrical codes of the brain that are used to represent the world.
Scientists believe that the brain’s circuitry is in a continuous state of flux, which is why long-term memory cannot be for permanent, hardwired fixtures. For explaining how memory is preserved, scientists have designed different theories with the help of which new types of silicon circuits are being used under the project. Companies running the project will utilise the functions of these circuits in order to build a groundbreaking brain-like computer.
The initial stage of the project is aimed at modelling the structure of neocortical units — that is, the neural circuits which are continuously replicated throughout the brain. After this, the behaviour of brain units can be mapped and modelled before proceeding to the next stage where two new models will be designed.
The first one will be a molecular model of the neuron involved, while the second will replicate the behavioural model of different parts of the brain to generate a complete neurocortex.
The final phase of the Blue Brain Project will take about a decade to complete and then it can be stimulated and studied to observe the actions and behaviour of different parts of the brain. For example, visual examination can be inputted to the visual cortex, while the response is evaluated.
The project will enable scientists to use supercomputers for innovative research in understanding the occurrence of mental disorders. The project will discover the complexities of the human thinking process and memory.
The simulation of brain processes will aid in investigating the reasons behind psychiatric disorders and their progress. According to scientists, disorders like autism, schizophrenia, depression and various other problems caused by defective circuitry in the brain will be easier to identify and treat following the successful completion of the project.
Another breakthrough will come from knowing more about the Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is caused by a group of cells deep in the middle part of the brain, which releases a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) called “dopamine”. When these cells die, the level of dopamine decreases significantly to cause Parkinson’s.
Under the project the cellular function of producing dopamine may be simulated. The project is also expected to be a useful tool for pharmaceutical researchers for developing treatment for various psychiatric disorders.
Understanding the functioning of the brain has been a great challenge for researchers and it is expected that with the Blue Brain Project this challenge will be handled very effectively.
The writer is a student of Fatima Jinnah Dental College, Karachi
|
|
|
|
