Brain Waves From 12,000 Brain Neurons Simulated In A Computer

(c) Copyright: EPFL, Blue Brain Project

The Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Blue Brain Project in Switzerland and the Allen Institute for Brain Science in the United States have built a computer model that simulates 12,000 neurons. This allows the scientists to learn more about brain waves and how neurons work and interact with each other.

The Computer visualization on the left shows the brain waves produced by 100 detailed models of nerve cells. The strength of the signal is represented by the following color scheme: green = weak signal, yellow = medium, red = strong.

Neurons behave differently from how computer chips operate. With computer chips, a steady stream of power is fed through it at a steady rate. Neurons transmit and process information that are sent in spikes.

The Blue Brain Project aims to complete a working computer model of the human brain. Although the project has simulated 12,000 neurons, it is still a far stride from a complete brain which has billions of neurons comprising the nervous system.

Neuromorphic Computer System Developed That Mimics the Brain

Researchers at the Institute of Neuroinformatics (INI), of the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich) have built a computer system that mimics how the brain works.

Neuroinformatics is the branch of science that studies how to convert the manner brain processes information to an artificial system.

A subfield of neuroinformatics is Neuromorphic engineering. By integrating and collaborating with other fields of science such as biology, physics, mathematics, computer science and engineering, neuromorphic engineering aims to develop artificial neural systems based on the brain and the nervous system.

Future applications of neuromorphic engineering are sensory systems that can mimic biological processes such as a fully cognitive heads up display, visions systems, auditory systems and other cognitive functions (i.e. decision making using short term/long term memory). In short, an artificial computer brain that can react with its environment in real time.

The researchers have configured an artificial system that copies the functions of neurons (brain cells) which can carry out complex sensorimotor tasks in real time.