BrainGenix-NES: Overview¶
BrainGenix-NES (Neuron Emulation System) is a cutting-edge simulation platform developed by the Carboncopies Foundation's BrainGenix initiative. It's designed to support research in whole brain emulation (WBE), aiming to replicate brain function in a digital environment. BrainGenix-NES complements the Virtual Brain Platform (VBP), also developed by BrainGenix, which serves as an in-silico experimentation space for neuroscientists.
Introducing the Whole Brain Emulation Challenge (WBE Challenge)¶
To catalyze progress in this field, we've introduced the WBE Challenge — a series of standardized data sets and challenges aimed at improving neural circuit reconstruction methods. Drawing inspiration from successful AI challenges like ImageNet, the WBE Challenge provides a structured framework for researchers to develop and test their algorithms against controlled conditions before applying them to real-world data.
Virtual Scan Data Acquisition (VSDA) System¶
A notable feature of BrainGenix-NES is its Virtual Scan Data Acquisition (VSDA) system, which simulates two types of data acquisition:
1. VSDA EM: Renders Electron Microscopy (EM) stacks, enabling researchers to test their reconstruction methods on known-ground truth models.
2. VSDA CA: Simulates Calcium imaging, enabling the study of neuronal activity patterns within the virtual brain environment.
Visualization with Neuroglancer¶
To facilitate analysis of VSDA EM stacks, BrainGenix-NES integrates with Neuroglancer (a visualization tool developed at Google Inc.) — a powerful visualization tool that allows researchers to navigate and examine the complex structures of simulated brain tissue in three dimensions.
Performing Virtual Electrode Recordings¶
Another unique aspect of BrainGenix-NES is its ability to simulate electrode recordings within the virtual environment. By placing virtual electrodes at specific sites within the simulated neural network, scientists can obtain realistic data that mimics actual electrophysiological measurements. This feature opens up new possibilities in understanding neuron communication and network dynamics without the need for invasive experiments on biological specimens.
Join the BrainGenix Community¶
By contributing to or participating in BrainGenix-NES and the WBE Challenge, you are part of a global effort to unravel brain function's intricacies. Your support helps us refine tools and methodologies that could lead to transformative breakthroughs in neuroscience, medicine, and technology. For more information or to get involved, please visit our website or contact us at braingenix@carboncopies.org.
This documentation is provided by BrainGenix, a division of Carboncopies Foundation R&D. BrainGenix is a platform focused on advancing the field of whole-brain-emulation and computational neuroscience. BrainGenix is part of the CarbonCopies Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to researching and promoting whole brain emulation. Learn more about CarbonCopies at https://carboncopies.org. For any queries or feedback regarding BrainGenix projects or documentation, please write to us at braingenix@carboncopies.org.