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Chennai, India: In a groundbreaking achievement, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras have released the world’s first 3D high-resolution images of the human foetal brain. This pioneering effort, achieved through cutting-edge brain mapping technology, marks a significant leap in neuroscience and developmental biology.
The team at the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre at IIT Madras digitally imaged 5,132 brain sections at a cellular resolution, a feat that has never been accomplished before. The results provide unprecedented insights into brain development during the foetal stage and establish India as a leader in this critical research domain.
“This study will pave the way for new scientific discoveries, allowing quantification of neurodevelopmental disorders and advances in fetal medicine,” said Prof. Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam, Head of the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre. “This is now the largest publicly accessible digital dataset of the human foetal brain, advancing current knowledge by 20 times. It is the first time such advanced neuroscience data has been generated in India and made freely available as a global resource.”
A Vital Step for India and the World
India, which accounts for nearly 20% of global childbirths with 25 million births annually, stands to benefit significantly from this research. The data could play a key role in understanding developmental disorders like autism and learning disabilities, as well as improving foetal medicine.
The initiative, termed ‘DHARANI’, is available as an open-source dataset. It is expected to enhance existing foetal imaging technologies, enabling early diagnosis and treatment of developmental disorders.
“I am delighted that India is at the forefront in generating human foetal brain maps through this cutting-edge technology,” said Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. “This pioneering effort advances scientific knowledge in brain sciences and has generated a global resource for researchers worldwide.”
Implications for Neuroscience
The high-resolution imaging sets a new standard in the study of human brain development, providing researchers worldwide with the tools to investigate critical questions about neurodevelopmental disorders. The work has already been accepted for publication in a special issue of the Journal of Comparative Neurology.
This landmark achievement highlights India’s growing role in global scientific innovation, offering hope for new treatments for developmental brain disorders and strengthening the country’s position as a leader in brain science research.
