> > It seems quite possible that what we need is a detailed map of every > > synapse, exact layout of dendritic tree structures, detailed knowledge > > of the dynamics of these things (they change rapidly) AND wiring between > > every single neuron.
An example of automatic detection of neurons and their processes from BrainMaps data. This is from layer 6 of the cortex of a monkey. Green indicates the detected cell bodies. http://farm1.static.flickr.com/137/360938913_6b7ffb9cbe_o.jpg I think the first structural upload of an entire brain may not be far away. There are significant computational resources required (there's a lot of data and multiple slices need to be carefully registered since they distort non-uniformly) but I think the necessary compute power and storage will be available cheaply before this decade is out. Reverse engineering the detailed structure of the brain won't give us a "mind upload", but it will be a useful first step in that direction, greatly assisting with the development of plausible theories about how the brain really operates. ----- This list is sponsored by AGIRI: http://www.agiri.org/email To unsubscribe or change your options, please go to: http://v2.listbox.com/member/?member_id=8660244&id_secret=64677853-23d7fb
