Henry Markham presents his research team’s effort to create a computer model of the human brain using a supercomputer (Blue Brain). By employing mathematical and graphical simulation, his team seeks to model the function of 10,000 brain neurons and to build a 3-dimensional model of their structure and interaction. Three main motivations drive his research. The first is to provide a facility for researching brain function that doesn’t involve animal testing. Secondly, to embody sufficient knowledge of brain function in a model from which an understanding of human social dynamics can be gained. Lastly, to facilitate an understanding of the mental disorders that effect two billion people and the drug/brain interaction of drugs used to treat these disorders. Currently, the drugs used to treat mental disorders are largely developed from empirical evidence. That is to say, brain/drug interaction is not understood. We know that the drug alleviates the symptoms of a particular disorder, but not how this is accomplished. Moreover, not all disorders have an identified drug treatment. By modeling brain function and brain/drug interaction, more treatments may be identified.
The implications of treating the mental disorders that effect 2 billion people are far reaching. While it is difficult to precisely measure a person’s mood, feelings, emotions, etc., the quality of life of those suffering from a mental disorder would be greatly improved by eliminating the debilitating of effects of such disorders. In short, their “happiness quotient” could be expected to increase. Research has shown that with increased mental and emotional comfort comes increased productivity, which leads to an improved standard of living for a society. Societies with a higher standard of living tend to engage in fewer conflicts and adopt political means to resolve difficult issues.
http://www.ted.com/talks/henry_markram_supercomputing_the_brain_s_secrets.html
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