Simulation mimics how the brain grows neurons, paving the way for future disease treatments
en-GBde-DEes-ESfr-FR

Simulation mimics how the brain grows neurons, paving the way for future disease treatments

10/10/2024 Surrey, University of

A new computer simulation of how our brains develop and grow neurons has been built by scientists from the University of Surrey. Along with improving our understanding of how the brain works, researchers hope that the models will contribute to neurodegenerative disease research and, someday, stem cell research that helps regenerate brain tissue.

The research team used a technique called Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC), which helps fine-tune the model by comparing the simulation with real neuron growth. This process ensures that the artificial brain accurately reflects how neurons grow and form connections in real life.

The simulation was tested using neurons from the hippocampus—a critical region of the brain involved in memory retention. The team found that their system successfully mimicked the growth patterns of real hippocampal neurons, showing the potential of this technology to simulate brain development in fine detail.

Dr Roman Bauer from the University of Surrey's School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering said:

“How our brain works is still one of the greatest mysteries in science. With this simulation, and the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, we’re getting closer to understanding how neurons grow and communicate. We hope that one day this work could lead to better treatments for devastating diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s—changing lives for millions.”

The accuracy of the model is closely tied to the quality of the data used to calibrate it. If the real-life neuron data is limited or incomplete, the precision of the simulation may decrease. While the current model has shown impressive results in replicating the growth of specific neurons, such as hippocampal pyramidal cells, further adjustments may be needed to accurately simulate other types of neurons or regions of the brain.

The computer simulation is built from the BioDynaMo software, which Dr Bauer co-developed. The software supports scientists to easily create, run, and visualise multi-dimensional agent-based simulations, be they biological, sociological, ecological or financial.

The research has been published in the Journal of Mathematical Biology.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00285-024-02144-2#citeas
Duswald, T., Breitwieser, L., Thorne, T. et al. Calibration of stochastic, agent-based neuron growth models with approximate Bayesian computation. J. Math. Biol. 89, 50 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00285-024-02144-2 
Attached files
  • 39-890.png
10/10/2024 Surrey, University of
Regions: Europe, United Kingdom
Keywords: Applied science, Artificial Intelligence, Computing, Health, Medical, Well being

Disclaimer: AlphaGalileo is not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to AlphaGalileo by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the AlphaGalileo system.

Testimonials

For well over a decade, in my capacity as a researcher, broadcaster, and producer, I have relied heavily on Alphagalileo.
All of my work trips have been planned around stories that I've found on this site.
The under embargo section allows us to plan ahead and the news releases enable us to find key experts.
Going through the tailored daily updates is the best way to start the day. It's such a critical service for me and many of my colleagues.
Koula Bouloukos, Senior manager, Editorial & Production Underknown
We have used AlphaGalileo since its foundation but frankly we need it more than ever now to ensure our research news is heard across Europe, Asia and North America. As one of the UK’s leading research universities we want to continue to work with other outstanding researchers in Europe. AlphaGalileo helps us to continue to bring our research story to them and the rest of the world.
Peter Dunn, Director of Press and Media Relations at the University of Warwick
AlphaGalileo has helped us more than double our reach at SciDev.Net. The service has enabled our journalists around the world to reach the mainstream media with articles about the impact of science on people in low- and middle-income countries, leading to big increases in the number of SciDev.Net articles that have been republished.
Ben Deighton, SciDevNet

We Work Closely With...

  • BBC
  • The Times
  • National Geographic
  • The University of Edinburgh
  • University of Cambridge
  • iesResearch
Copyright 2024 by AlphaGalileo Terms Of Use Privacy Statement