CALM Brain

Context

Researchers have developed CALM-Brain, India’s first large-scale digital repository to study neuropsychiatric disorders.

Q1. What is CALM-Brain?

1. It is a first-of-its-kind digital repository in India containing data on brain structure and function.
2. It focuses on neuropsychiatric disorders and integrates multiple types of scientific data.
3. It was developed by the Rohini Nilekani Centre for Brain and Mind (CBM).

Q2. What is the background and development of CALM-Brain?

1. It was initiated in 2016 under the Accelerator Program for Discovery in Brain Disorders using Stem Cells (ADBS).
2. It is a collaboration between NIMHANS and NCBS (TIFR).
3. It is funded by the Department of Biotechnology and the Pratiksha Trust.

Q3. What type of data does CALM-Brain collect?

1. It integrates multiple datasets, including clinical data, neuroimaging data (brain scans), behavioural data and genetic data.
2. It covers five major disorders – addiction, bipolar disorder, dementia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and schizophrenia.

Q4. What are the objectives of CALM-Brain?

1. To understand the onset of neuropsychiatric disorders.
2. To track the progression of diseases over time.
3. To identify underlying biological and genetic changes.
4. To improve scientific understanding of brain disorders.

Q5. What is the significance of CALM-Brain for healthcare and research?

1. It enables better diagnosis of mental health disorders.
2. It supports personalized treatment approaches.
3. It promotes data-driven medical research in neuroscience.
4. It will be made open-source, allowing wider access for researchers and clinicians.
5. It strengthens India’s capacity in advanced brain research and precision medicine.

Conclusion

CALM-Brain represents a major step in integrating technology with mental healthcare, paving the way for better diagnosis, research, and personalised treatment of brain disorders in India.