Conference 7.286::space

749.0. "NASA open new computer research center" by PRAGMA::GRIFFIN (Dave Griffin) Tue Aug 13 1991 19:00

RELEASE: 91-129 (8/13/91)

        Can computers be designed to simulate human intelligence?  Unique work
now under way in the new Biocomputation Center at NASA's Ames Research Center,
Mountain View, Calif., may one day provide the answer to this question.

        The new center is directed by Dr. Muriel Ross of Ames' Life Science
Division. Her team of physicists, neurophysiologists and mathematicians is
studying the three-dimensional makeup of a biological neural network, a series
of connections between nerves.  The team hopes to uncover the basic principles
of how nerves are organized and function.

        "Understanding even the simplest neural system requires painstaking
analysis of the architecture and physiology of its parts," Ross said.  The Ames
scientists have used high-performance computers and graphics workstations to
produce the first reconstructions of a neural network based on a living system.
Information from the study of biological systems may advance the development of
computers, which would complement Ames' commitment to advance computer
technology, Ross said.

        By using computers to construct 3-D models of biological neural
networks, then reducing these detailed models to a mathematical level, it may
be possible to design and build electronic circuits to mimic the biological
circuits.  Such circuits then could interact with artificial visual input and
control the output for guidance systems in mobile robots, Ross said.

        Biocomputation Center scientists are developing two image processing
systems.  The first reconstructs parts of the neural network by capturing,
enhancing and digitizing electron microscope images.  It then stores them on an
optical disk.  The second system produces mathematical models that mimic the
functions of neural networks by assembling the digitized images as montages.
From these, a computer generates 3- dimentional models.

        Ross said the research capability provided by the advanced computers
"has changed our whole idea of how parts of the vestibular system are
organized." The vestibular system is located in the inner ear and plays an
important role in maintaining balance.  Using the analytical tools provided by
the Biocomputation Center, it is now possible to determine structural and
functional changes in this system resulting from different gravity levels.

        In addition, applications of this research may lead to better
countermeasures for space adaptation syndrome.  This form of motion sickness
afflicts more than half of all astronauts during the first 2 to 4 days in
space, Ross said.  Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include
nausea, fatigue and vomiting.

        Ross said the research on vestibular function is but one example of the
center's multi-disciplinary capabilities.  It will be possible for scientists
to compare the responses of bones, muscles, hormones and other systems to
various gravity levels.  The advanced computing and image analysis capabilities
of the center's computers may enable scientists to "see" inside cells, measure
cell volume and surface area, or reconstruct portions of tissues and organs in
three dimensions to study changes resulting from microgravity, according to
Ross.

        Scientists and university students can use the center's advanced
capabilities in person, or they can tap into the system from their labs. "The
Biocomputation Center is unique in that it supplies both the expertise and the
computer technology required for life scientists to apply computational and
visualization techniques to their work," Ross said.