Is it important to continue mapping the human brain?
Asked by
Eby109 (
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September 22nd, 2013
Why is it still important to continue mapping the human brain and what would be the benefit of having such knowledge?
Also, in given the task of mapping the connections in the human brain what major variables would you want to control for and how would controlling these variables affect your ability to generalize your findings to various populations?
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8 Answers
Yes, it’s important. You’d realize this if you had a loved one suffer a TBI,
It’s important as it assists in understanding behavior-brain correspondence, as it connects to matters such as disease, cerebral development, DNA and other affiliated matters. Benefits are high in number in mapping the connections that makes all brain structure genetically diverse than the next person in relation to thinking patterns and perception. The major variables that I would want to control would relate to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer and Parkinson’s disease. By incorporating the right protocol along with the appropriate research I feel by dissecting those diseases while in effect within the human body can slow down and potentially prevent the spread or occurrence which can save lives.
Great question, @Eby109, and welcome to Fluther.
Yes, mapping areas of brain function is vital research. If we know what area is responsible for what abilities, we can look at outward symptoms and know exactly what area of the brain may be damaged or have a tumor growing in it.
As far as I know, we are still far from mapping connections. There are about 100 billion neurons in the average human brain, and each neuron in an adult brain has formed around 7,000 synapses with its neighboring neurons. So a complete synaptic map would baffle even our most powerful supercomputers today. We’ll have to wait for much more powerful supercomputers and more fine-grained imaging technology to attempt a total synaptic map. But the benefits of having such a map would be truly mind boggling. And I am sure it’s just a matter of time before we do have the full brainscape mapped.
It helps finding better treatments for brain-related diseases.
@ETpro
There is a great deal of important brain research going on. At Arlington University they are using a laser to create new neurons and synapses.
The problem is according to what I read some research is not including all it should.
http://www.livescience.com/39413-scientists-should-map-other-brain-cells.html?cmpid=532499
Brain research has the potential to help people with Neurological Disorders. It can help people with autism, MS, parkinson’s, alzheimer’s metal illness and other Neurological Disorders.
When research is done Scientist often discover important things incidentally.
I read about this research constantly because my son is autistic. Those who oppose funding such research are short sighted and selfish.
The Regan’s opposed research until lack of research and a cure killed Regan.
I think it’s very important because my mother got Alzheimer and it’s pure hell to see her in that state.
@antimatter
Your correct. Many people do not comprehend the importance of research until they are affected.
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