Computer Simulation of the Brain

Researchers have created a new computer model of the human brain. When compared to the Blue Brain computer simulation, this model simulates a larger portion of the brain but it is less detailed at the neuron level. It uses a simplified representation of individual neurons, while the Blue Brain project simulates brain cells at a much better resolution of detail. Blue Brain has only successfully modeled a total of 10,000 neurons and 30 million synapses so far, while this simulation has a trillion neurons and almost a quadrillion synapses. This model recreates the entire thalamo-cortical system of the brain. Apparently, the researchers have modeled this area because of its involvement in creating conciousness.

An interesting thing that the researchers noted was that larger-scale oscillatory activity (i.e. brain waves) actually began to emerge as a function of the model. So this means that this computer brain replicated the pattern that a normal brain would look like on an EEG. This is a good indication that the researchers have done something right, even if this model is a simplified version of the real brain. The fact that the model shows brain waves means that this stimulation may actually be acting in a way that is similar to a normal human's brain.

This computer model of the brain will enable researchers to carry out much more diverse and varied experiments than currently possible. It will allow a better insight into the inner dynamics of the human brain. Things that are normally impossible to do experimentally on brain wetware may now easily be done via the computer.

"The computer model allowed us to perform experiments that are impossible (physically or ethically) to carry out with animals."

Researchers will have much more leeway in carrying out different experiments on this virtual brain. The paper also mentions some of the things that researchers will be able to do with this specific type of computer simulation.

"After development of a detailed, more complete brain model, one may simulate the effect of structural perturbations, such as lesions, strokes, and tumors, on the global dynamics, and compare the results with animal or human EEG/MEG data."

So basically any brain disorder can be modeled via a computer. This is a really exciting idea and would really help in creating new treatments for many devastating brain disorders.

"By using DTI of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or other neurological and psychiatric disorders, one may investigate how the connectivity alone modifies brain dynamics."

The researchers also plan to study the effects of drugs on this virtual brain. In the future, this may mean a quicker time to get FDA approval for pharmaceutical brain drugs. Drugs can now be tested on a virtual patient's brain to see the mechanism of action and get a better understanding of the beneficial or negative effects of the drug.

"Changing the neuronal parameters to simulate the effect of various pharmacological agents, one may study the effect of drugs (including addictive drugs) on the dynamics of the model to aid design of new therapeutic strategies against neurological disorders."

At the end of the paper the authors mention tantalizingly about conciousness and how this computer model could help researchers unravel how it is created.

"Finally, by reproducing the global anatomy of the human thalamocortical system, one may eventually test various hypotheses on how discriminatory perception and consciousness arise."

I have my doubts that the computer system will be able to simulate conciousness. However it will definitely give researchers a better understanding of how the brain works. Overall, it is very interesting research that could have many potential benefits in advancing our understanding of the human brain.