A few benefits of the Blue Brain Project

The most immediate benefit is to provide a working model into which the past 100 years knowledge about the microstructure and workings of the neocortical column can be gathered and tested. The Blue Column will therefore also produce a virtual library to explore in 3D the microarchitecture of the neocortex and access all key research relating to its structure and function.

Cracking the Neural Code

The Neural Code refers to how the brain builds objects using electrical patterns. In the same way that the neuron is the elementary cell for computing in the brain, the NCC is the elementary network for computing in the neocortex. Creating an accurate replica of the NCC which faithfully reproduces the emergent electrical dynamics of the real microcircuit, is an absolute requirement to revealing how the neocortex processes, stores and retrieves information.

Understanding Neocortical Information Processing

The power of an accurate simulation lies in the predictions that can be generated about the neocortex. Indeed, iterations between simulations and experiments are essential to build an accurate copy of the NCC. These iterations are therfore expected to reveal the function of individual elements (neurons, synapses, ion channels, receptors), pathways (mono-synaptic, disynaptic, multisynaptic loops) and physiological processes (functional properties, learning, reward, goal-oreinted behavior).

A Novel Tool for Drug Discovery for Brain Disorders

Understanding the functions of different elements and pathways of the NCC will provide a concrete foundation to explore the cellular and synaptic bases of a wide spectrum of neurological and psychiatric diseases. The impact of receptor, ion channel, cellular and synaptic deficits could be tested in simulations and the optimal experimental tests can be determined.

A Global Facility

A software replica of a NCC will allow researchers to explore hypotheses of brain function and dysfunction accelerating research. Simulation runs could determine which parameters should be used and measured in the experiments. An advanced 2D, 3D and 3D immersive visualization system will allow "imaging" of many aspects of neural dynamics during processing, storage and retrieval of information. Such imaging experiments may be imposible in reality or may be prohibitively expensive to perform.

A Foundation for Whole Brain Simulations

With current and envisageable future computer technology it seems unlikely that a mammalian brain can be simulated with full cellular and synaptic complexity (above the molecular level). An accurate replica of an NCC is therefore required in order to generate reduced models that retain critical functions and computational capabilities, which can be duplicated and interconnected to form neocortical brain regions. Knowledge of the NCC architecture can be transferred to facilitate reconstruction of subcortical brain regions.

A Foundation for Molecular Modeling of Brain Function

An accurate cellular replica of the neocortical column will provide the first and essential step to a gradual increase in model complexity moving towards a molecular level description of the neocortex with biochemical pathways being simulated. A molecular level model of the NCC will provide the substrate for interfacing gene expression with the network structure and function. The NCC lies at the interface between the genes and complex cognitive functions. Establishing this link will allow predictions of the cognitive consequences of genetic disorders and allow reverse engineering of cognitive deficits to determine the genetic and molecular causes. This level of simulation will become a reality with the most advanced phase of Blue Gene development.