The Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence (ISTBI) at Fudan University released the results of its most recent research project on July 25. Entitled “Neural, electrophysiological and anatomical basis of brain-network variability and its characteristic changes in mental disorders” and published in the field’s leading journal BRAIN online, this project earns Fudan the distinction of becoming the first university to map out the brain functional network.

Jianfeng Feng, president of the institute and also the leader of this project, explained that the research was originally intended to study the dynamic variation of the brain in mental diseases such as dissociation and depression. However, the research unexpectedly made a breakthrough on the analysis of human intelligence.

Via applying MRI technology, this research measured the dynamic interaction patterns between different brain areas and unveiled the mechanisms underneath to generate these interactions. According to the research, the areas of the brain responsible for studying and memory are highly changeable. Meanwhile, the areas weakly correlated with intelligence include the visual, auditory and sensorimotor areas, which all have low changeability and adaptability. The research shows that high changeability leads to high intelligence and creativity.

These findings are poised to have a revolutionary impact on the development of artificial intelligence. Currently, artificial intelligence devices are neither changeable nor adaptable. Now, the institute’s brain functional network graph can be used to build advanced artificial neural networks, which would enable computers to study, grow and adapt. The discovery will also help in the treatment and prevention of mental illnesses. 

Since its essential importance in relevant scientific fields, this work was selected as Brain’s Editorial Choice and the cover story of the jounal’s August issue. This work also grabbed the attention of the public, as it instantly became the focus of coverage of dozens of oversea media including the Daily Mail in UK.

Editor: Hongyu,Bianji, Lin Lu, Xiong Xu, Lei Zhao