Introduction and recent progress of BRAIN Initiative in the United States

摘要

The presidential research program Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies(BRAIN)Initiative was established5years ago in the United States;it has been a driving force of the United States government and private factors to promote technology development in basic and translational neuroscience research.We here summarize the research plan and recent progress in cellular neuroscience,electrical and optical engineering,chemical and systems neurobiology,and brain mapping technologies.The research plan recognizes the importance of identifying different cell populations and unknown cell types in the human brain and diseased models.Technological advances in multielectrode arrays and chemical flow measurement probes not only demonstrate the capacity of detecting neural activities in large areas,but also enable a new era of studying the neural coding information.Large-scale coordination of neuronal activity and brain mapping information will allow for the identification of therapeutic targets in neurological disorders,which is benefited by big data acquisition and analysis.Specifically,increased brain databases will expedite the dissection of thoughts,emotions,cognition,and will thereby help the development of better understanding and treatments of brain disorders.Since cell therapy demonstrates potential for regenerative medicine,the utilization of the newly advanced technologies may further improve the translational potentials and precision controls of transplanted grafts.The development of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools also requires international collaborations on science,technology,advocating,healthcare and medical ethics to advance the innovation and clinical practices.