Virtual Brain: New Tool Simulates Human Brain Networks

The Virtual Brain is an open-source tool for the simulation of brain networks. Image credit: Jessica Palmer/The Virtual Brain.

Study in a Sentence: Researchers used a brain modeling platform called The Virtual Brain to incorporate individual patient brain measurements to produce personalized models simulating six features of patient brain activity. The tool allowed the researchers to assess the neuron interactions involved, which cannot be directly measured in humans, and enables the data from patient's brain signals to predict neuronal network interactions.

Healthy for Humans: This method advances personalized medicine by producing individualized models that can be used to optimize brain surgical procedures to improve outcomes prior to execution. It can also be used to uncover individual differences in brain networks and functions as well as underlying mechanisms of brain disorders.

Redefining Research: Unlike other computational models, this mathematical platform can incorporate real-time human data to make better predictions about brain processes relevant to each individual patient and with greater resolution than previous attempts in invasive animal studies.