Review on Blue Brain Technology-A Novel Tool for Studying Brain and Brain Related Disorders

Review on Blue Brain Technology-A Novel Tool for Studying Brain and Brain Related Disorders

Sharon Chris Hepzebah P1

Faculty, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Erode, Tamilnadu-638401, India.

Devaroshini A2

B.E Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Erode,

Tamilnadu-638401, India.

Sneha P5

Navya C Prakasp

B.E Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Erode,

Tamilnadu-638401, India.

Sandhiya A4

1. Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Erode,

   Tamilnadu-638401, India.

   B.E Student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Erode,

   Tamilnadu-638401, India.

   Abstract–Human brain, the command centre for central nervous system controls all the functions of the human body and stores memory whereas Blue Brain, the worlds preliminary virtual machine is that the one that may perform as an appropriate application of a synthetic human brain. Through Reverse engineering, cellular level implementation and recreation of the human brain within an entire simulation are often made possible. With technological advancements, human, the ultimate source of data and discovery are often preserved in order that the intelligence is rarely lost. IBMs blue gene super computer allows a quantum jump in the stage of detail at which the brain can be modelled. This technology identifies the fundamental principles of the brain, its functions and capabilities. This review paper consists of detailed information about the comparison of natural and simulated brain, implementation of artificial brain and various steps in creating simulated brain using Artificial Intelligence.

   Keywords–Artificial brain, supercomputer, blue gene, nanorobots, virtual machine, brain simulation, artificial intelligence.

   1. INTRODUCTION

      Our human brain is full of complexities. Blue Brain technology aims to create a virtual brain at cellular level to develop and acquire knowledge of our brain and enable quick treatment of brain related disease.

      This project was begun by a scientist at EPEL, Switzerland named Henry Markram. On 2005, IBM [International Business Machines] and EPEL [Ecole polytechnique federale] launched this project.

      The primary machine for this project is the supercomputer engineered by IBM named Blue Gene; hence the project was named Blue Brain [2]. Michael Hines NEURON, along with other custom-built components is used as simulation software [3].

      With this scientific technology, we can preserve

      knowledge and intelligence of a person even after the death. A full human brain simulation (around 86 billion neuron) is expected to be possible by 2023[9].

   2. BLUE BRAIN

      Fig.1. Blue brain (Source: https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.UQ- d49EfrO6GaXhZ5W0e0gHaFL?w=263&h=183&c=7&o=5&pid=1.7)

      Blue Brain is the first virtual brain as shown in figure1 in the world. Though it is not an actual brain, it is modulated with hardware and software through which it can think process, memorize, store and respond. Reverse engineering [5] is the foremost idea of implementing this virtual brain recreated within the computer with complete simulation. The Blue Brain gives the clear clarification to keep the intelligence of such great persons like Steve Jobs and Stephen Hawking for future use.

      The mission undertaken by the Blue Brain technology is to collect the existing records of the brain and to make an entire theoretical framewo

      rk inside a computer.

      1. Need for Blue Brain:

         Intelligence is associated in nursing inborn quality, which cannot be created and stored for future use. After death, all our intelligence is destroyed and we often have problems of remembering some important dates, peoples name, and Historical facts and so on. Virtual brain could be a smart answer to the problem where someone needs to live within a PC as a program so that it might be simple to recollect all

         the facts in such a busy era.

      2. Aim of this project:

         The main intention of this Blue Brain project is to review the purposeful principles of brain moreover as its construction in supercomputer and enables quick treatment of brain related diseases like Parkinsons disease.

      3. Possibility:

      Fig.2. Nanobot. (Source: https://images.app.goo.gl/oLEEmBzHyjxSwKaP9), and Supercomputer. (Source: https://images.app.goo.gl/HiSxMEaeUP6ZqScK8)

      Could it be possible to create an artificial brain and stimulate it to think, feel and experience the world as like a normal human brain? Yes, it is possible. Raymond Kurzweil [28], an American inventor, in his paper narrated the full details about the invasive and non-invasive methods using Nanobots (Nanorobots) [4] which are terribly little and are needed to travel around the spine and brain to provide the structure and activity of Central Nervous System (CNS). A Supercomputer with giant space for storing and processing power is required to process the collected information. These Supercomputers and Nanorobots as shown in figure 2 can provide an interface with the human mind.

      Year	Progress
      2005	The 1st cellular model was finished and therefore the project printed its first results in scientific format.
      2007	The project delivered information driven method for constructing, certifying and studying the neocortical column.
      2008	The 1st synthetic cellular neocortical column with 10,000 cells became constructed.
      2011	A cellular circuit of hundred neocortical columns with million cells was built
      2015	EPEL developed a model for relationship between the glial cell astrocytes and neurons that describes about managing the energy of the brain through NGV [Neuro- glial Vascular Unit].
      2017	Neural cliques linked to at least each other as much as 11 dimensions were discovered using algebraical topology.
      2018	The Blue brain project launched its first digital 3-D neuron atlas with the positions in 737 areas of the brain.
      2019	Idan Segev, a computational neuroscientist engaged on Blue brain venture stated that the complete cortex for the mouse brain turned into complicated and digital encephalogram experiments would begin soon.

      Year	Progress
      2005	The 1st cellular model was finished and therefore the project printed its first results in scientific format.
      2007	The project delivered information driven method for constructing, certifying and studying the neocortical column.
      2008	The 1st synthetic cellular neocortical column with 10,000 cells became constructed.
      2011	A cellular circuit of hundred neocortical columns with million cells was built
      2015	EPEL developed a model for relationship between the glial cell astrocytes and neurons that describes about managing the energy of the brain through NGV [Neuro- glial Vascular Unit].
      2017	Neural cliques linked to at least ach other as much as 11 dimensions were discovered using algebraical topology.
      2018	The Blue brain project launched its first digital 3-D neuron atlas with the positions in 737 areas of the brain.
      2019	Idan Segev, a computational neuroscientist engaged on Blue brain venture stated that the complete cortex for the mouse brain turned into complicated and digital encephalogram experiments would begin soon.

   3. PROGRESS OF THE PROJECT TABLE 1. Progress [13]

   4. NATURAL BRAIN AND SIMULATED BRAIN

      1. Functions of Natural Brain:

         Before getting to know about the building and functions of Blue Brain, it is important to grasp information regarding the working of human brain.

         The human ability to observe, clarify and respond [17] is controlled by nervous system. The nervous system is quite magical one which works through electric impulses from human brain.

         Fig.3.Working of Natural brain (Source: https://images.app.goo.gl/Yd99eSkQq8Ta8VD17)

         As seen in above figure 3, the following are the steps of working of natural brain.

         1. Input: The action of obtaining information from the atmosphere through sensory cell [Neuron] is named as Sensory input (i.e.) when the human eye sees something (or) the hands touches something, the sensory cell [16] sends associate information to the brain.

         2. Interpretation/Integration: Understanding the acquired input with the help of brain is called Interpretation. During this process, billions of neurons work along to recognize the environment.

         3. Output: As soon as the things get interpreted, the brain sends message to effector cells, muscle or glands via neurons which respond to the environment [15].

         4. Processing: The decision making [processing] is completed by arithmetic and logical calculations in neural circuitry. The beyond experience stored and present inputs acquired are used to make decision.

         5. Memory: With the help of certain neurons in the brain, we can remember things.

         Fig.4. Working of Simulated brain. (Source: https://images.app.goo.gl/8D2VSwz8JsKdDwk88)

      2. Functions of Simulated Brain:

      As seen in above figure 4, the following are the steps of working of simulated brain

      1. Input: The scientists have created artificial neurons with silicon chips within the similar manner as of actual neurons. These artificial neurons will receive input from secondary cells and also the electrical impulses from secondary cells are sent to supercomputers via artificial neurons for interpretation.

      2. Interpretation: The electric impulses that are obtained from synthetic neurons are interpreted by the way of set of register. The various values in the register represent different states of the brain.

      3. Output: After being interpreted, the output signals are given to sensory cells present within the artificial neuron.

      4. Memory: It is possible to store the records permanently with the help of secondary memory [Hardware]. By this way, the sets of register will be stored permanently and the information in it could be retrieved and used when it is needed.

      5. Processing: The processing is done by computer by some stored information and by the inputs received. Artificial brain will perform some arithmetic and logical calculations as performed by our human brain using the concept of artificial intelligence. [19]

      TABLE 2. Comparison between Natural and Simulated Brain [21]

      Parameters	Natural Brain	Simulated Brain
      INPUT	Through Sensory cell/Neurons.	Through Silicon chip of artificial neuron.
      INTERPRETATION	By states of neurons.	By means of set of bits in register.
      OUTPUT	Through Sensory cell/Neurons.	Through Silicon chip of artificial neuron.
      MEMORY	Permanent state of neuron.	Secondary memory [hardware].
      PROCESSING	Arithmetic and logical calculation in neural circuitry.	Arithmetic and logical calculation using the concept of artificial intelligence.

   5. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

      The steps for creating a simulation of virtual brain are divided into 3 major sections:

      1. Data collection.

      2. Data simulation.

      3. Visualization of results.[11]

      1. Data Collection:

         Fig.5. Neurons in Brain. (Source: https://images.app.goo.gl/2WUGArjG2JEJzMMS8)

         Data collection is a process of collecting individual slices of brain and analyzing the electrical activity and the shape of neurons under a microscope [12]. Neurons are captured consistent with their structure, position in cortex, populous density and electrophysiological behavior. From figure 5, the topology of structural brain networks at micro-, meso- and macro-scales can be seen.

         Fig.6. Patch clamp instrument. (Source: https://images.app.goo.gl/FJJkiSfcjNEXckJR8)

         The electrophysiological behavior of neuron is studied in a 12-patch clamp as shown in figure 6 especially designed for this Blue Brain project. Twelve numbers of living neurons are synchronously patched and their electrical activities are recorded.

         The collected observations are then converted into algorithms that narrate the function, positioning and type of neurons. These algorithms will be used to generate synthetic virtual neurons that are prepared for consequent phase (i.e.) simulation phase.

      2. Data Simulation:

         Blue Brain Project-Software Development Kit [BBP- SDK]: The main software employed by this Blue Brain project for neural simulation is a software package known as NEURON which is developed in 1990s by Michael Hines [Yale University] and John Moore [Duke University]. This software is written in C, C++, and FORTAN programming language [8].It is an open-source network (i.e.) the codes and binary are freely offered within the website. It is a C++ library wrapped in JAVA and PYTHON. In 2005, Michael Hines and the BBP [Blue Brain Project] team collaborated to port the bundle to the massively parallel Blue genetic Supercomputer.

         Data simulation is bothered with 2 major aspects: [18]

         1. Simulation speed

         2. Simulation workflow

            1. Simulation speed: Simulation of one cortical column [around 10,200 neurons] runs approximately at 200xs very slower than the original time [24]. The simulation doesnt show even line scaling. It exhibits doubling of the dimensions of the neural network, which doubles the time it takes for simulation. The initial intent is to supply biological accuracy.

            2. Simulation workflow: Simulation workflow includes virtual cell synthesizing using algorithms that were found to explain real neurons. There are millions of proteins in a single cell and each single protein is simulated. The algorithms are customized on the basis of their lifetime; species and unhealthiness stage of the simulated animal [25]. The cells are connected with one another according to the experimental rules. The behavior of nerve cell is envisioned by Visualization software.

         The basic unit of cerebral cortex is cortical column. There is an idea to couple the brain simulations with avatar that live within the virtual surroundings and additionally with the robots that are interacting with the actual world. The primary target is to grasp the information and reproduce the human consciousness.

      3. Visualization of Neurons:

         1. RT Neuron: RT Neuron is the primary application employed by BBP to envision the neural simulation. The RT Neuron package is written in C++ and openGL [22] programming language which is developed by the BBP tam. It uses ad-hoc software specially designed for neural simulation (i.e.) it cannot be used for additional kinds of simulations. The input is given as Hodgkin-Huxley simulations [30] in Neuron and also the output is created as 3D.A Silicon Graphics Inc [SGI] with 300 GB shared memory is employed for visualizing the results. The visualizations are multi-scale [single neuron or whole cortical column]. The animations are paused, zoomed and so the researches can interact with the model a shown in figure 7.

      Fig.7. Visualization of RT neurons. (Source: https://images.app.goo.gl/Yq4ntRKjhbkKzDf76)

   6. HARDWARE USED

      The primary hardware utilized by Blue Brain project is that the Blue Gene supercomputer, engineered by IBM. It had been installed on the EPEL campus in Lausanne, Switzerland and was managed by CADMOS.

      1. Requirement:

         1. A large amount of memory (i.e.) 16 terabytes [26] is required as there are billions and billions of neurons. The storage needed for such massive simulation is terribly huge.

         2. A high-speed processor [256 MB to 512 MB memory per processor] to simulate billions of neurons.

         3. A program that converts the electric impulses from brain into an input signal to be obtained by the Supercomputer and vice versa [27].

         4. A nanorobot to act as the interface medium between the supercomputer and natural brain.

      2. List of Supercomputers used since 2005:

      1. Blue Gene/L as shown in figure 8 was used till 2009.

      2. Blue Gene/P as shown in figure 9, an upgraded version from Blue Gene/L was used till 2011.

      3. JuQUEEN [Blue Gene/Q] as shown in figure 10, an upgraded version from Blue Gene/P in 2012 was ranked 8th in the world in terms of speed.

      4. Blue Brain 5 as shown in figure 11, installed at 2018 will take over from the predecessor.

      Fig.8.Blue gene/L Supercomputer.(Souce: https://images.app.goo.gl/EyoFUjCZ5dobvsJ7A)

      Fig.9.Blue gene/P Supercomputer.(Source: https://images.app.goo.gl/M4LDteoxbRJCstP78)

      Fig.10.Blue gene/Q Supercomputer.(Source: https://images.app.goo.gl/kC2fpAc2re63iYxb8)

      Fig.11.Blue brain 5 Supercomputer.(Source:https://images.app.goo.gl/EsdKKAQDzjCzYUnK 8)

      6) Storing the data in a computer could be useful for memory lost patients to recall it.

      1. Negative Effects:

         1. Human will become more dependent on computer.

         2. Since, this Blue Brain project is based on Computer technology, there is a dread of hacking and virus attacks.

         3. Restoring memory back into the computer is quite expensive.

         4. Huge amount of electric power is required to power up the machine. [6]

         5. Once the neural schema of a person is hacked, it can be used against the very same person.

         6. There may be a fear of human cloning.

         7. It may lead to many consequences like machines conducting war against the human.

      2. Application:

         1. Curiosity about conscious and sub-conscious mind gets a major breakthrough.

         2. Blue Brain may serve as a foundational and physiological model for whole brain simulation.

         3. Data around hundreds of years can be collected and tested. [14]

         4. Cracking of Neural code can be done.

         5. Blue brain is the leading drug discovery tool for brain disorders.

      C. Brain chip:

      Mathew Nagle [7] designed a brain chip that provided the balance among safety, durability and functionality. The chip was small enough that it doesnt hinder the normal brain function. Using integrated CMOS circuitry [an array of recording electrodes]; Nagles chip recorded the brain signals. He improved the reliability of the recorded data using multiple electrodes.

   7. BENEFITS, DRAWBACK AND APPLICATIONS OF BBP

      Every Scientific technology has its own portion of Positive and negative effects.

      A. Positive Effects:

      1. Blue Brain will store and utilize human intelligence and data even after the person dies.

      2. With the help of past experiences, Self decision can be made by computer.[29]

      3. Blue Brain is helpful for person with hearing disorder and for paralyzed person to communicate to the world via nerve simulation. [10]

      4. Research and studies related to brain of living being can lead us to communicate to their brain as easy as a normal conversation with the human being.

      5. The electrical impulses interpreted from the brain of animals can be helpful in understanding their activities and thoughts.

   8. FUTURE PROSPECT

This Blue Brain project is an inevitable phase triggered in Neuroscience. It will permit us to take the principles of our intelligence and an entire model of cellular level brain will be generated in the next century.

There may be no essential obstacle in modeling the brain and it is likely that in the near future there will be detailed models of the mammalian brain, including the human brain. Blue Brain is a project where voice/speech is provided as input/output [23].

We can also hope to learn about functions and dysfunctions of the brain from the precise models. Detailed models will be used to arrange all the knowledge of the brain and it lets quick diagnosis of brain dysfunctions and their treatment.

After the release of Blue Brain technology, there can be advancement in the field of Artificial Intelligence, Psychology and Inter-Communication between species. By deeper research of brain structure and function, it will offer a rapid effect on new findings on pre-existing knowledge.

XI. CONCLUSION

Dr.A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the man behind many scientific works would have contributed more to the world but unfortunately, he is no more. With the help of Blue brain, a new technology in the field of artificial intelligence provides a digital reconstruction and simulation of human brain

through which we could use the knowledge of such great scientist for our future use.

Using Blue gene supercomputers, as much as one hundred cortical columns, 1 million neurons and 1 billion synapses

[20] may be simulated right away. This is roughly similar to the brain power of human bee. Humans have 2 million Columns within the cortices. In conclusion, we will be able to convert ourselves into the computer in some unspecified time in the future. The vision behind this virtual brain will shed some light on the aspects of Human recognition. Very quickly, this technology can be usual everywhere in the world.

REFERENCES

1. Suryanshu Bakshi, Shravan Das, Rishabh Mishra: A Research Study on Blue Brain- International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Engineering & Technology (IJARCET)-Volume 06, Issue 05, ISSN: 2278 1323, May (2017)

2. Kowshalya.G. MCA: Review on Blue Brain for Novice- ISSN XXXX XXXX © 2017 IJESC- Volume 7 Issue No.8

3. Priya Babel: Blue Brain – The Future Generation- Research Journal of Computer and Information Technology Sciences-ISSN 2320 6527 Vol. 3(2), 1-5, May (2015)

4. Saurav Poonia: A Study on Blue Brain Modeling, Applications and its Challenges – International Journal of Research in Engineering, Science and Management Volume-2, Issue-2, February (2019)

5. Ojaswini Ghodkhande, Gajanan Patle: REVIEW ON BLUE BRAIN: AN ARTIFICAL BRAIN- International Journal of Advanced Computational Engineering and Networking, ISSN: 2320-2106, Volume-3, Issue-12, and Dec (2015)

6. Devendra Nagal and Swati Sharma: AN OVERVIEW ON DISCOVERY OF REALITY- BLUE BRAIN – Proc. of the Intl. Conf. on Recent Trends in Computing and Communication Engineering — RTCCE – ISBN: 978-981-07-6184-4, (2013)

7. Pooja Batra Nagpal, Saloni Varshney: A Study on Blue Brain- International Journal of Research Publications- Volume-5, Issue-2, May (2018)

8. Meet Giwani, Anand Bhagwani, and Nikhil Rohra: Blue Brain – The Magic of Man-International Conference on Computational Intelligence and Communication Networks (2015)

9. Kodi Balasriram: The Man-Machine-Man (M3) Interfacing With

   the Blue Brain Technology- International Journal of Current Trends in Engineering & Research (IJCTER) -e-ISSN 24551392 Volume 3 Issue 7, July (2017)

10. K. Pavithra, B. Aswini, M. Sharmila, Sharmila Hemanandh: Blue Brain Project- International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) – Volume: 04 Issue: 05 | May (2017)

11. Mrs.Shanmugapriya, K. Kaveri, M. Muthuselvi, S. Perezhili: Artificial Intelligence-A Literature Survey of Blue Brain- International Journal of Advanced Research in Biology Ecology Science and Technology (IJARBEST) Vol. I, Special Issue I, August (2015)

12. Palak Chaubey, Prof. Manish Dubey-Blue Brain: International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) – Volume: 06 Issue: 06 | June (2019)

13. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Brain_Project

14. Mythili.M, Nandhini.S: A Study on Artificial Intelligence – The Blue Brain-International Journal of Innovative Research in Computer and Communication Engineering- Vol. 4, Issue 8, August (2016)

15. Naseema Shaik, Mubeena Shaik, Suzan Hussain Saeed Alqahtani, Alghaseb Nouf Ali A, Nouha Abdulhamid Hejazi: Blue Brain: The Virtual Brain Technology-International Journal of Science Technology& Engineering- Volume: 5, Issue: 1 -68-71 page-

    (2018)

16. Mannu Kumari, Rizwan Khan: Review paper on Blue Brain Technology- International Journal of Computer Applications (0975 8887) Volume 180 No.48, June (2018)

17. S. Mondal, S.Parvin, F.Ahmmed: Blue Brain Advance Technology-International Journal of Engineering and Techniques- Vol 1-Issue 1, (2015)

18. Surya Verma, Bhumika Kohli: Blue Brain- International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications-Vol 5/Issue 10- Oct (2015)

19. Siva Kumar Avula, Vedrucha S Pakale and Sheetal V Kashid: Blue Brain – The Future Generation- International Journal of Application or Innovation in Engineering & Management (IJAIEM) – Volume 2, Issue 3, March (2013)

20. Iyer Mili Venkat, Sachin Gala, Ruchik Thakkar, Manan Mehta, and Yash Bhawre: Blue Brain: Bringing a Virtual Brain to Life- International Journal on Recent and Innovation Trends in Computing and Communication ISSN: 2321-8169 Volume: 4

21. Shruti Ganji and Kamala Nayana: Upgrading Human Brain to Blue Brain- Journal of Nanomedicine & Nanotechnology- Volume 6 –

    Issue 3

22. Priyanka Ingle, M. U. Karande: The Blue Brain -The Survey of Paper Blue Brain- International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology- Volume: 05 Issue: 05 | May- (2018)

23. Y. Vijayalakshmi, Teena Jose, Dr. S. Sasidhar Babu, Sruthi R. Glorya Jose, Dr. P. Manimegalai: Blue Brain-A Massive Storage Space- Advances in Computational Sciences and Technology ISSN 0973-6107 Volume 10, Number 7 (2017)

24. Kavya Priya G.V and Monika Sruthi J: A Review on Blue Brain Technology- International Journal of Trend in Research and Development, Volume 3(6), ISSN: 2394-9333

25. P. Ilakiya, S. Sindhuja: Survey on Blue Brain Technology- JETIR (ISSN-2349-5162) – Volume 2, Issue 2-Feb (2015)

26. Jaskaran Singh, Dr. Raman Chadha: BLUE BRAIN-The Future of Mankind INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TECHNOLOGY AND COMPUTING (IJTC)-ISSN-2455-099X, Volume 3, Issue 8 August (2017)

27. Pranay V. Ahirekar, Piyush P. Sonawane, Rahul S. Singh Bhatti, Saurabh J. Bhamre: Blue Brain: A Subway to Artificial Intelligence- International Journal of Interdisciplinary Innovative Research & Development (IJIIRD) ISSN: 2456-236X-Vol. 02 Special Issue 05 | (2018)

28. Ambuj Kumar Agarwal, Shruthi Shukla: Virtual Brain Bringing Blue brain Advance Technology to life- System Modeling & Advancement in Research Trends (SMART)-(2015).

29. Preeti Patel, Rakesh Patel, Ekta Agrawal: Study on Blue Brain with its Application- INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING SCIENCES & RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY- 3(12): December, (2014)

30. Nandhini V: Blue Brain using Wetware Technology and Fuzzy Logic- Special Issue of Engineering and Scientific International Journal (ESIJ) -ISSN 2394-187(Online) Technical Seminar & Report Writing-Master of Computer Applications-S. A. Engineering College ISSN 2394-7179 (Print) (TSRW-MCA- SAEC) – May (2015)

31. Remya Vinayakumar, Deepthi Varghese, Vince Paul: The Blue Brain Technology Using Wetware Technology and Fuzzy Logic- International Journal of Computer Science and Information Technologies, Vol. 6 (1), 61-68, (2015)