First-in-kind protocol for making mini artificial brains developed
This technique allows scientists to undertake more advanced research
(Web Desk) - In an ambition to develop techniques that pave the way for curating accurate models of the human brain, scientists devised one-of-a-kind protocol to study neurological disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, and ALS via organoids.
Recently, researchers crafted and shared a method for developing brain cortical organoids. As per a statement by the scientists, this creation is “essentially miniature artificial brains with functioning neural networks.”
This technique allows scientists to undertake more advanced research pertinent to neurological disorders without directly impacting the patient.
Instead, performances are tested on brain models with a typical brain structure but electrical activity is altered due to the neurological conditions.
Artificial mini brains to advance neurological disorder research
The organoids implying the artificially grown mass of cells that resemble the brain closely mimic the complexity of the fetal brain’s neural network.
This provided researchers with a powerful tool to study various brain biology and pathology.
The model would essentially help scientists better understand brains with altered electrical activity – mainly those suffering from autism, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, and other neurological disorders.
The research explored the effects of microgravity on brain development and disease progression by conducting experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Recently, researchers from the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) collaborated with the Federal University of Amazonas in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain.
They have developed a proprietary protocol for creating highly realistic brain cortical organoids – the ‘wired miniature brains’ as per the statement.
