Artificial Brain Ten Years Away

The director of the Blue Brain Project, Henry Markram, is confident that the next ten years will produce a functioning artificial human brain. His group has already simulated elements of a rat's brain.

The project utilizes software showing tens of thousands of neurons, allowing the scientists to digitally construct an artificial neocortical column.  Although each neuron is unique, the team has found the circuitry in different brains have common patterns.  Using these models, the team can construct sections of a functioning artificial brain.

This digital technology can help unravel the mysteries of the workings of the brain, helping diagnose and treat mental illnesses. It may also be used to build digital "animals" from neuroscience data and render animal testing obsolete. 

Image: "Neurons in the brain - illustration" by Hljod.Huskona on Flikr courtesy of Creative Commons Licensing.