UNDERSTANDING THE HUMAN BRAIN - NEED FOR A MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH

Recent advances in diverse fields of science, from molecular to the behavioural aspects on one hand and mathematical modelling, artificial intelligence and computer science on the other, provide unparalleled opportunities to unravel the mysteries of the brain and may be the mind. This has been made possible due to developments in the techniques of molecular biology, genetics, tissue culture, neural transplantation, imaging coupled with advances in solid state electronics and computers. A brief account is provided of the current understanding of the biological basis of the functioning of the brain, outlining the need for a multidisciplinary approach to enhance this understanding.