Brain science is the"ultimate territory"for human beings to understand the nature. In the present paper

the authors introduce the current state of brain science research projects in the USA

European countries

Japan and China. In recent years

with the continuous innovations of technologies in brain imaging

biosensors

human-computer interaction and big data

the brain science has become an important frontier field with interdisciplinarity and a focus of science and technology strategies in various countries. As a scientific and technological resource with original advantages in China

traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is abundant in knowledge of brain

almost covering all kinds of encephalopathy in modern medicine. At present

TCM is increasingly becoming an effective tool to conquer mental and nervous diseases. With the intersection and penetration of multi-disciplines

an increasing close association between the traditional theory of TCM about prevention and treatment of encephalopathy and modern basic biological research appears

and new ideas

new technologies and new achievements have constantly been coming out

particularly in the field of acupuncture medicine. In the present historical juncture when the development of science and technology in China is changing from the"follower"to the"parallel runner"

even the"top runner"in some fields

the progress of brain science research in TCM will make enormous contributions to explore brain disease and exploit cutting-edge technologies of TCM

as well as accelerate the modernization of TCM.