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IIT Madras Brain Mapping Initiative
Context:
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-Madras) have developed a unique cellular-level map of growing foetal brains.
- This map, named Dharini, provides a detailed 3D visualisation of the developing human brain, created from cross-sections of stillborn babies in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Comparison with Global Projects:
- Allen Brain Institute’s human brain atlas (2016): A 3D map of a female adult brain.
- BRAIN Initiative (USA): Aiming to map brain functions using advanced neurotechnologies.
- European Human Brain Project: Focused on digital brain research for understanding brain structure and function.
- Brain/MINDS (Japan): Investigating higher brain functions and improving treatments for neurological disorders.
Key highlights:
- Granular Dataset: The researchers utilised the brains of five stillborn babies at different stages of gestation (4, 17, 21, 22, and 24 weeks). The dataset comprises 5,132 plates of cross-sections at cellular resolution.
- Technological Innovation: IIT-Madras developed its own equipment and processes for this project, including a brain-freezing platform, automated slicing and staining systems, and high-resolution scanners.
- Open Access: The data is freely available to researchers, students, and others worldwide, fostering collaboration and advancing neuroscience research.
How This Helps Neuroscience?
- Understanding Brain Development: This dataset helps researchers study how the brain grows and its relation to neurological diseases.
- Applications for Disorders: Insights from the dataset could lead to understanding the causes of developmental disorders like autism or conditions like cerebral palsy caused by hypoxia.
- Potential for Mental Health: It could also help explore how adult brain disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety) develop and their relation to early brain development.
Significance:
- Early Diagnosis: The detailed mapping can aid in the early diagnosis of developmental disorders such as autism and learning disabilities.
- Global Impact: By making the data open access, IIT-Madras is contributing to global scientific progress and positioning India as a leader in brain mapping technology.
