Technologies for the Next Century of Brain Research
Summary
Scientists across the country are spending hours researching at labs, attempting to solve one of science’s greatest mysteries—how the brain works. Whenever we see something we recognize or recall an event from our past, numerous neurons in our mind communicate using a common code that scientists have yet to discover. Scientists hope that discovering this code will shed light on what occurs during psychiatric and neurological disorders, which in turn would lead to a more accurate diagnosis and more effective treatment. To tackle the issue, a series of optimistic technological projects have been launched by biologists, chemists, physicists, and geneticists including: the Human Connectome Project (structural wiring diagram of the brain), calcium imaging (in hope to understand the persistent, spontaneous firing of large masses of neurons), improved optical technologies such as voltage imaging, and genetic engineering (in a new, unique way). The Obama administration is providing assistance through the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies Initiative (BRAIN), funding $100 million this year.
Connection to the Thesis
This research portrays American curiosity propelling American intellect and technology, which, in turn, will have a massive impact on American society. Scientists are compelled to learn more about the brain, not only to fuel their satisfaction, but potentially cure many neurological disorders. This has led to consecutive generations of technological equipment targeted at imaging the neurons, with each generation evolving as they reach the final product. Developing such technologies also requires substantial creativity, as it requires one to think outside of the box, as seen with genetic engineering being used to learn with neuron action. Obviously, such research has profound implications on American society—a cure for diseases such as Alzheimer’s or autism can greatly improve the quality of the affected individual’s lives. Such a massive research endeavor has united many aspects of the workforce, advances American knowledge, and opens the doors for new research. Such research lies on the metaphorical frontier of American knowledge, which scientists are desperately trying to push further and further into the unknown in a crusade of knowledge.
Scientists across the country are spending hours researching at labs, attempting to solve one of science’s greatest mysteries—how the brain works. Whenever we see something we recognize or recall an event from our past, numerous neurons in our mind communicate using a common code that scientists have yet to discover. Scientists hope that discovering this code will shed light on what occurs during psychiatric and neurological disorders, which in turn would lead to a more accurate diagnosis and more effective treatment. To tackle the issue, a series of optimistic technological projects have been launched by biologists, chemists, physicists, and geneticists including: the Human Connectome Project (structural wiring diagram of the brain), calcium imaging (in hope to understand the persistent, spontaneous firing of large masses of neurons), improved optical technologies such as voltage imaging, and genetic engineering (in a new, unique way). The Obama administration is providing assistance through the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies Initiative (BRAIN), funding $100 million this year.
Connection to the Thesis
This research portrays American curiosity propelling American intellect and technology, which, in turn, will have a massive impact on American society. Scientists are compelled to learn more about the brain, not only to fuel their satisfaction, but potentially cure many neurological disorders. This has led to consecutive generations of technological equipment targeted at imaging the neurons, with each generation evolving as they reach the final product. Developing such technologies also requires substantial creativity, as it requires one to think outside of the box, as seen with genetic engineering being used to learn with neuron action. Obviously, such research has profound implications on American society—a cure for diseases such as Alzheimer’s or autism can greatly improve the quality of the affected individual’s lives. Such a massive research endeavor has united many aspects of the workforce, advances American knowledge, and opens the doors for new research. Such research lies on the metaphorical frontier of American knowledge, which scientists are desperately trying to push further and further into the unknown in a crusade of knowledge.