The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-Madras) has unveiled the world's largest collection of high-resolution three-dimensional images of the human fetal brain. This groundbreaking dataset, known as DHARANI, includes over 5,100 brain sections captured at the level of individual cells, utilizing cutting-edge brain mapping technology. The aim of this project, conducted at the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre, is to deepen the global research community's insights on brain developmental disorders, cognitive growth, and neurological conditions.
One particularly notable aspect of this initiative is its open-source accessibility. This means researchers around the globe can freely use the dataset, making strides toward improving treatments and understandings of various brain-related disorders, particularly relevant for India, which has one of the largest birth rates globally, with about 25 million births each year.
The method employed to create DHARANI was significantly cost-effective, completed at less than one-tenth of the expenditure typical for similar projects conducted in Western nations. This achievement not only highlights IIT-Madras as a leading institution but also showcases India's capabilities and advancements within the scientific community.
Prof. Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam, who spearheaded the project, remarked on the potential of this study, stating, "This study will pave the way for new scientific discoveries, making quantifying neurodevelopmental disorders and advancements in fetal medicine easier." His leadership has forged collaborations among various countries, including India, Australia, the United States, Romania, and South Africa, highlighting the global interest and cooperation surrounding this project.
The research findings were accepted for publication by the Journal of Comparative Neurology, which has been at the forefront of neuroscience research for over 100 years. This publication will disseminate their findings to the broader scientific community, potentially leading to new paths of inquiry and exploration within the field.
Kris Gopalakrishnan, co-founder of Infosys, expressed pride in this achievement, emphasizing, "This confirms our belief — Indian R&D can create world-class science and technology." He noted the success of this project can be attributed to the unique collaboration model involving public-private partnerships, which is increasingly significant as global demand for scientific innovation grows.
Dr. Suzana Herculano-Houzel, the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Comparative Neurology, heralded DHARANI as the largest publicly accessible digital dataset focused on the human fetal brain, exemplifying what can be achieved with strategic funding and dedicated research efforts. The dataset may lead to insights impacting fetal medicine and neurodevelopmental disorder classification and treatment.
Prof Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, added his voice of encouragement, stating, "I am delighted to see India leading the way by generating human fetal brain maps utilizing advanced technology through IIT-Madras."
With its launch, DHARANI not only provides resources for examining brain development but may also create pathways for groundbreaking discoveries and improvements to broader medical treatments underlining the importance of early brain health. By leading with such innovative projects, IIT-Madras reinforces India's role at the cutting edge of neuroscience research.
