Groundbreaking Brain Atlas Unveiled: EU’s Human Brain Project Leads to Medical Breakthroughs and Technological Innovations
The Human Brain Project (HBP), supported by the European Union, has made significant strides in neuroscience by creating a comprehensive atlas of the human brain. This groundbreaking initiative aims to revolutionize medicine and technology by advancing our understanding of the brain. With an estimated global cost of €800 billion per year due to brain diseases, this project has the potential to benefit the 165 million Europeans suffering from conditions such as Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, depression, and stroke.
After a decade of collaboration involving more than 500 researchers and 155 institutions, the HBP is coming to a close. With a budget of €607 million, of which €406 million came from EU funding, the project has made substantial progress in various fields, including basic science, medicine, and technology.
Jan Bjaalie, head of the Norwegian Neuroinformatics Node and infrastructure operations director in the HBP directorate, compares the challenge of mapping the brain to mapping the universe in astronomy. Despite the complexity of the task, Bjaalie expresses optimism about the achievements of the HBP.
One of the key accomplishments of the project is the development of a highly detailed digital atlas of the human brain, which is accessible to the public through a platform called EBRAINS. This atlas allows researchers and medical professionals to study the brain at different levels, from molecules and connections to large networks and the entire organ. It has provided new insights, established innovative approaches for diagnosis and therapy of brain diseases, and facilitated technological advancements.
The HBP’s atlas has practical applications in the medical field. For example, it can assist surgeons in epilepsy procedures by providing a better understanding of the brain and enabling more precise predictions through the HBP’s dynamic brain modeling engine, The Virtual Brain. This technology has the potential to enhance surgical precision and improve patient outcomes.
In addition to medical advancements, the HBP’s research has contributed to the development of computing technologies and artificial intelligence (AI). By understanding how neurons work and their connections, scientists can inform the field of AI. The project has also focused on energy-efficient computing, drawing inspiration from the human brain’s energy efficiency. Through collaboration between engineers and neuroscientists, the HBP has developed more efficient neuromorphic computers that consume significantly less energy.
As the HBP concludes, the European Commission is working with member states on a broader initiative for brain health research. Recognizing the importance of brain research and its potential impact on Europe’s position in the global brain research scene, research councils and the Commission are keen on supporting further advancements in this field.
The HBP serves as a success story and a stepping stone for future brain research projects. While other countries such as the US, Japan, China, Australia, and South Korea have also launched extensive brain research initiatives, Europe aims to remain competitive and continue pushing the boundaries of knowledge in neuroscience.
With its significant contributions to mapping the human brain, the HBP has paved the way for innovative treatments, improved prevention and therapy for brain disorders, and technological breakthroughs. The closing of the project marks the beginning of a new chapter in brain research, driven by collaboration, innovation, and Europan investment.
