The Computer Revolution in Neurobiology

Abstract

The actual challenge in medicine is the understanding of the most complex organ created during evolution, the human brain. For this, we need to bridge many different levels of description, from molecules to cells and, from systems to organisms, which can be addressed in many disciplines, from anthropology to molecular biology. Actual evolution of information technologies gives as the possibility to look insights into the organization of the brain and to understand brain function. We have now a lot of non-invasive technique used in order to create brain maps as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and positron emission tomography (PET). Using these non-invasive techniques, we can create functional brain imaging in order to be used to map de neural systems that underlie human behavior. In the actual development, is necessary to integrate neuroanatomical maps with molecular details stemming from biochemical, physiological, pharmacological, and molecular studies, such as ion channel and receptor distribution (proteomics), mRNA level distribution (genomics), synaptic connectivity and plasticity. The accumulation of facts and data on brain is growing day-by-day and it is impressive, but it is necessary to work harder in order to understand their meaning and how we can use this information in comprehending the complex human brain function, or in prevention or treatment of the human brain pathology.