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open-connectome-classes / StatConn-Spring-2015-Info

introductory material
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Application of connectomics #27

Open michaelseung opened 9 years ago

michaelseung commented 9 years ago

A significant aspect of connectomics is to map the brain's neural network. We have discussed in class the importance of tracing the neurons and synapses. With a comprehensive map of the human connectome, how would scientists efficiently apply the map to identify causes of various diseases (e.g. Alzheimer's)? Of course, imaging techniques such as CAT or MRI can detect misfires or faulty connections, but with such a complex network, what is served as the basis? As this is a rising field with limited data, I imagine that there would need to be a substantial amount of data collected and interpreted before a baseline of connection types can be established.

-Michael

mrjiaruiwang commented 9 years ago

I imagine there might be a way to automate the process from data to model to analysis and prediction. There is too much data for a human to analyze and if the goal is to eventually use this for diagnostics, the cost of training lab techs to do this kind of data combination and analysis would be extremely expensive. Maybe the solution is in automation and software.