#StanfordResearch

In a groundbreaking advancement, Stanford Medicine researchers have developed a “digital twin” of the mouse brain, leveraging artificial intelligence to simulate the brain’s visual cortex—a region central to processing visual inputs. This development, detailed in a recent study published in Nature, could reshape the way neuroscientists conduct experiments, making brain research significantly more efficient and insightful.

The concept of a digital twin, akin to a highly realistic flight simulator, allows scientists to experiment on a virtual model of the mouse brain. This is a monumental step, as it enables the simulation of neural activities based on extensive datasets gathered from live mice. These animals had their neural responses mapped while watching action-packed films, to mimic their natural visual experiences. Dr. Andreas Tolias, a senior author from Stanford, noted the utility of a precise brain model for conducting experiments that can later be verified in vivo.

In an exciting development from the world of medical research, scientists at Stanford University have successfully re-created a human pain pathway in the laboratory, potentially revolutionizing the search for new pain-relief drugs. This innovative approach, reported in the journal Nature, involves growing four clusters of human nerve cells, or brain organoids, that can simulate the pain response pathway usually found in the human brain. This groundbreaking work lays the groundwork for more effective and targeted treatments for pain, offering hope to millions who suffer from chronic pain conditions.