Brain fingerprints evolve and could help us tackle Alzheimer
Everyone has a unique brainprint but - unlike fingerprints - it can change over time, according to a neuroscientist at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL).
This content was published on
2 minutes
This finding, which was detailed in an Oct. 15 study published by Science AdvancesExternal link, could be useful in the early detection of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer.
“The goal of my research is to analyze and understand the networks and connections in the brain, including the links between its different parts,” says Enrico Amico of the Center for Neuroprosthetics and Medical Image Processing Laboratory (EPFL). “To work on this, we use MRIs that measure brain activity over a defined period of time.”
Researchers use the data obtained to produce a summary of brain activity and translated into a graph represented in the form of colored matrices. This modelling technique is known in the scientific community as “network neuroscience” or “brain connectomics.”
“It’s all in these graphs called functional brain connectomes,” said the researcher.
These maps of neural networks, known as connectomes, allow researchers to identify a person and determine whether the person is inactive or performing a task during the scan.
“We have realized that we can find indications of the brainprint in very short time periods. So we don’t need an MRI that summarizes brain activity over 5 minutes for example. We can be satisfied with a more concise observation time”, adds the researcher.
Certain data can be detected in just under two minutes. The study also found that the information detected most quickly comes from the sensory parts of the brain, notably those linked to eye movements and visual attention.
Over time, regions of the frontal cortex, those associated with more complex cognitive functions, also begin to reveal information unique to each of us.
The next step will be to compare the brainprints of healthy patients against those of Alzheimer patients.
Previous work by the Lausanne-based scientist has shown that the unique features that make up the brainprint disappear with the progression of the disease.
“It is as if a person with Alzheimer’s loses his or her brain identity,” says Amico.
Potential applications could include early detection of neurological diseases where brain imprints disappear, such as patients with autism, stroke, or even individuals suffering from drug addiction.
Swiss justice minister hopes EU reform will reduce irregular migration
This content was published on
The European Union’s (EU) New Pact on Migration and Asylum aims to curb irregular migration within Schengen, Justice Minister Beat Jans said on Tuesday.
Swiss electricity supply outlook positive despite uncertainties
This content was published on
Thanks to well-filled gas stores in Europe and increased availability of French nuclear power, the Swiss Federal Electricity Commission is optimistic.
Finance minister wants Swiss banks to hold more equity
This content was published on
Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter has repeated calls for banks and their holdings in subsidiaries abroad to hold more equity.
Telecoms sector kept Swiss competitions regulator busy in 2023
This content was published on
Last year, the Swiss Competition Commission (COMCO) conducted 27 investigations and initiated 17 preliminary investigations.
This content was published on
Although Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) achieved higher revenue at the start of the year, it suffered a dip in profits.
40,000 signatures against animal testing in Switzerland
This content was published on
Switzerland should do away with “restrictive” animal testing and should become a model for innovative, effective, and pain-free scientific research.
More than 45,000 signatures in favour of federal funding for UNRWA
This content was published on
The Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives (FAC) is expected to decide on the funding of the UNRWA at the beginning of the week.
This content was published on
At the end of January 2024, 6,881 men and women were behind bars in Switzerland. Almost 95% of all places were occupied, the highest number since 2014.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.