Human Connectome Project

In 2009, the National Institute of Health launched the Human Connectome Project, a challenge to map every single neural pathway in a human brain that benefits human function. Overall, the goal of the Human Connectome Project was to match human brain structure with its associating function.

The Human Connectome Project has allowed for more research in brain connectivity impact when a patient ages or is affected by a certain disease. By mapping every neural pathway in the brain, it is easier to understand the specific areas that are getting affected by any external factors. However, it is important to note that ultimately, the Human Connectome Project did not map every single neural connection in the human brain but did record overall neural pathways. In addition, HCP was able to revolutionize biomedical engineering as it created fertile grounds for the birth of many new technologies that fueled this field.