IIT Madras Unveils Detailed 3D Images of Human Foetal Brain

IIT Madras revealed advanced 3D images of the fetal brain from the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre, which marks a milestone in brain mapping technology. India is now a global leader in neuroscience research and the project promises potential treatments for various brain-related health issues.

Research Team Composition

The research involved a diverse team from multiple countries. Experts from India, Australia, the U.S., Romania, and South Africa collaborated. Medical partners included Mediscan Systems and Saveetha Medical College Hospital. The project was led by Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam, head of the Brain Centre.

Importance of the Research

India sees around 25 million births each year and fetal brain development is vital, which addresses developmental disorders like autism and learning disabilities. These insights are crucial for improving healthcare in India.

The project received backing from various organizations. The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India provided support. Other contributors included Kris Gopalakrishnan, IIT Infosys, and Fortis Healthcare. NVIDIA assisted in processing extensive brain data generated during the research.

Advancements in Imaging Technologies

The research could revolutionise fetal imaging technologies, which aims to enhance early diagnosis and treatment of developmental disorders. The findings will be published in the Journal of Comparative Neurology.

In two years, the centre has collected over 200 brains of various ages, which includes fetal, neonatal, adult, and aged brains. The data is being transformed into digital volumes. The centre is set to build the largest repository of human brain data globally.

GKToday Facts for Exams:

1. Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre: Established in 2022 at IIT Madras, this centre focuses on advanced brain research. It aims to lead in neurotechnologies and cellular-level brain mapping.
2. Mediscan Systems: This medical partner collaborates with IIT Madras for brain research. It plays role in processing and analysing brain data collected during the studies.
3. Journal of Comparative Neurology: This renowned neuroscience journal will publish the findings from IIT Madras. It is well-respected for contributing to brain science literature globally.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2024

Category: Science & Technology Current Affairs