IIT Madras has released a comprehensive dataset of 3D images of the human fetal brain, aiding research and treatment development for brain health.
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has released detailed 3D high-resolution images of the fetal brain. This dataset is a significant step in brain research.
A total of 5,132 brain sections were captured digitally using advanced brain mapping technology. This technology was developed by the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre at IIT Madras.
The research team is led by Prof. Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam, who heads the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre. The dataset, named ‘DHARANI’, is open source and available to researchers worldwide.
This work aims to advance neuroscience and may lead to new treatments for brain-related health conditions. IIT Madras emphasizes the importance of this research for future medical advancements.
The project involved a multidisciplinary team from IIT Madras, collaborating with researchers from India, Australia, the U.S., Romania, and South Africa. They also partnered with Chennai-based Mediscan Systems and Saveetha Medical College Hospital.
“DHARANI is now the largest publicly accessible digital dataset of the human fetal brain,” said Dr. Suzana Herculano-Houzel, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Comparative Neurology. This dataset was created with minimal funding compared to similar projects.
The research received support from various organizations, including the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and several private partners. NVIDIA assisted in processing the large volumes of brain data.
Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, expressed pride in India’s role in generating these brain maps. This effort enhances scientific knowledge in brain sciences.
High-resolution brain images can improve fetal imaging technologies, aiding early diagnosis and treatment of developmental disorders. This research has significant implications for fetal medicine.
Kris Gopalakrishnan, IIT Madras Alumnus and Co-Founder of Infosys, highlighted the success of this public-private partnership model. He encouraged ambitious research programs in India.
Prof. Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam noted that this study will facilitate new scientific discoveries. The dataset advances current knowledge by 20 times and is a valuable global resource.
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