Scientists in Switzerland have launched an ambitious, multi-billion dollar plan to develop the technology needed to create a computer simulation of the brain.
The 10-year Human Brain Project will bring together more than 100 institutions and cost nearly $US2 billion.
Researchers say the computing power required to run a complete brain model is the equivalent of about 100 million home computers.
It's hoped the simulation, if fully developed, will improve our understanding of brain diseases and lead to better treatment.
