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Effort to Create Virtual Brain Begins

bryan8m writes "An IBM supercomputer running on 22.8 teraflops of processing power will be involved in an effort to create the first computer simulation of the entire human brain. From the article: 'The hope is that the virtual brain will help shed light on some aspects of human cognition, such as perception, memory and perhaps even consciousness.' It should also help us understand brain malfunctions and 'observe the electrical code our brains use to represent the world.'"

8 of 454 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Thoughts on virtual thoughts by Slashcrunch · · Score: 5, Funny

    As far as how much processing power is needed to simulate the brain, I've met quite a few people for whom a C64 and a tape drive would be more than sufficient... and maybe some duct tape.

  2. Life.. don't talk to me about life.. by shadowcode · · Score: 5, Funny

    In 10 years, I bet the first readout will read;
    "I think you ought to know that I'm feeling very depressed"

  3. In other news by Einherjer · · Score: 5, Funny

    They needed a simple brain to begin their modelling with.

    They decided on George W. Bush.

    Let's just hope....

    hmmm....

    I for one welcome our new artificial dumb military overlord.

  4. Re:brains for those who have none ... by madaxe42 · · Score: 5, Funny

    but what to do with a schizophrenic supercomputer ?

    Dual boot!

  5. Umm... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Is it a male or a female brain they're simulating?

    They work quite differently you know.
    Some even speculate that one of those two kinds of brain might need even less than 22.8 Teraflops to simulate.

  6. Re:Thoughts on virtual thoughts by ArsenneLupin · · Score: 5, Funny
    TFA does mention mouse brain,

    ... and the output of the computer will be a two-digit number.

  7. Re:Thoughts on virtual thoughts by William+Robinson · · Score: 5, Funny
    You are wrong about neutrons. They are protons, that connect and interact to form intelligent thoughts.

    Neutrons are responsible for indifferent behaviour towards females. Recent study shows that slashdotters have enough neutrons emitted from their brain, that, they could be used as substitude of Californium 252.

    Electrons decide the level of excitement. Thats why you feel charged, after couple of beers:)

  8. Re:Mentifex by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    A fun though struck me when reading the FAQ.

    Noone seem to have real contact with murray, and his adress was not really known. He also seem to have a little to much time on is hands, posting huge amounts of usenet posts etc. What if Murray did succeed a long time agoo, and is now letting his virtual brain (that somehow thinks it is murray) do all his spamming for him.

    Of course, this theory lacks in many points... :P