Reverse-engineering the human brain

Grader A: hit

Brain-mapping research with high-resolution MRI of living people was under way in 2009: the NIH Human Connectome Project launched in July 2009 to map brain connectivity, scanning 1,200 living adults. Post-mortem brain sectioning and atlas work also existed. The claim only says research has been initiated.

Test: Existence test (research initiated): met by the Human Connectome Project, launched July 2009.

• Human Connectome Project (Wikipedia) (2009-07): Launched July 2009 as an NIH Blueprint Grand Challenge; MRI scans of 1,200 living adults, including 7-tesla scans.

Grader B: hit

Brain reverse-engineering research was under way by 2009: Blue Brain (2005) simulated cortical tissue from post-mortem data, and the NIH Human Connectome Project (July 2009) mapped living brains with high-resolution MRI.

Test: Research test: multiple funded programs by 2009 (true, not a share claim).

• Wikipedia: Blue Brain Project (accessed 2026-09-28): EPFL project started May 2005 to digitally reconstruct and simulate brain tissue.
• Wikipedia: Human Connectome Project (accessed 2026-09-28): NIH launched HCP July 2009 using high-resolution 3T/7T MRI and diffusion MRI of living subjects.