IIT Mandi Researchers Develops Models to Study Brain Simulation: Full Report Here

December 21, 2021: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi and National Brain Research Center, India and University at Buffalo, USA collaborative research team has developed a model to study brain simulation. 

With the mathematical model, the researchers of IIT Mandi, National Brain Research Center, India, and University at Buffalo, USA aim to perform mathematical simulation studies and models on non-invasive brain stimulation techniques.

The collaborative research work has been published in the journal, Brain Stimulation. The work has been co-authored by Dr. Shubhajit Roy Chowdhury from IIT Mandi, Dr. Yashika Arora from National Brain Research Center, India, and Dr. Anirban Dutta of the University at Buffalo. 

Referring to the initiative, Dr. Shubhajit Roy Chowdhury, IIT Mandi, said, “We simulated a physiologically detailed mathematical model of the neurovascular unit (NVU) with four compartments: synaptic space, astrocyte space, perivascular space, and arteriole smooth muscle cell space, called NeuroVascular Units or NVU".

He further added that the mathematical model of the research team includes the application of perturbations of varying frequencies (0.1 Hz to 10 Hz). The frequencies are used to simulate the electrical field to the four nested NVU compartmental pathways.

Know: Which is better for an MSc in Mathematics: IIT Mandi, NIT Jaipur or SPPU?

An international team of scientists led by the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (@iit__mandi) has performed a mathematical simulation studies on non-invasive brain simulation techniques. pic.twitter.com/ad4GDlJ1Da

— IANS Tweets (@ians_india) December 20, 2021

The model aims to analyze the changes in blood vessel diameter in response to the frquencies sent. The model will study the physiological effects of the same based on the direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial oscillatory current stimulation (tOCS), and tACS model.

“Our study can help brain- and neuro-specialists plan patient-specific restorative neurorehabilitation activities for stroke, post-traumatic brain injury, mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and other neuropsychiatric disorders,”  said the researcher.

Under the transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) model, the current is passed between the electrodes attached to the scalp of the mode. The produced current penetrates the brain and affects the nerves. 

Electrical simulations are used to map the functions of the brain. However, the electricity required for the simulation can be harmful if the outcomes are unknown. 

Adding to the statement, the researcher stated that there is a need to understand the working and response of various blood vessels in the cranium and various neurological pathways.

“With this aim in mind, the collaborative research team has developed a mathematical model to understand the physiological effects to get the maximum benefit of the procedure, with minimum damage” the researcher added. 

Early this year, IIT Mandi’s research scholars developed Optimise Electronics Design for better performance of devices under fluting power. The initiative and hard work of the institute’s students overall improved the performance of the devices. 

The result of the research work was further supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The design work was also broadcasted in IEEE Open Journal of Circuits and Systems to showcase its excellent performance analysis.

IIT Mandi is best known for its five-year-long Ph.D. Program. The program is open to all students who have a minimum CGPA of around 7.5/10. To apply for the same, applicants are required to submit their registration form on the institute’s website. 

IIT Mandi Ph.D. Program not only covers the theoretical aspects of the course curriculum but also includes various project work, assessments, training sessions, and more. The well-experienced faculty members make the program easy to understand. 

Read: How is a Ph.D. in IIT Mandi?