This week noticed the launch of a ten-yr (or so) challenge between IBM and a Swiss college group to mannequin the complete human mind. The Blue Mind venture will contain constructing a brand new pc based mostly on IBM’s Blue Gene supercomputer (one among the highest 5 quickest). The group will begin by modelling the electrical construction of neural circuits repeated all through the mind after which map and mannequin their conduct. As soon as full, they’ll transfer onto making a molecular mannequin of the neurons concerned and an entire neocortex (the most important and most complicated a part of the human mind) earlier than modelling the remainder of the mind. The top product will then (hopefully) give us an understanding of sure malfunctions within the mind’s “microcircuits” that are thought to trigger psychiatric issues akin to autism, schizophrenia, melancholy and inner doubts that Apple would ever go Intel.

[By way of NewScientist]