How AI is helping us to understand how our brains learn
Mar 3, 2025
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Andrew Saxe, a computational neuroscientist at University College London, discusses the groundbreaking intersection of AI and neuroscience. He reveals how AI mimics human learning processes, shedding light on the complexities of brain function. The conversation touches on AI's potential in enhancing education and understanding memory formation, particularly the role of the hippocampus. Saxe also highlights future possibilities in treating brain disorders and the exciting discoveries in connecting AI learning mechanisms with human cognitive processes.
Artificial intelligence is helping researchers model brain functions, potentially leading to deeper insights into learning processes and memory formation.
Understanding the brain's complex architecture not only informs AI development but also offers therapeutic potential for treating memory-related conditions.
Deep dives
The Intersection of AI and Brain Function
Artificial intelligence (AI) is drawing inspiration from the complex structure of the human brain, particularly in understanding learning processes. The mechanisms behind neural networks bear resemblance to neural connections in the brain, which are composed of simple units that, when interconnected, enable sophisticated functions. Research aims to determine whether AI systems can effectively model brain activities or if they merely serve as inspiration. This exploration is essential for unraveling the intricacies of how our brains process information and develop learning capabilities.
Complex Architectures in Learning
Deep learning seeks to replicate the brain’s intricate architecture, where simple connections yield complex behaviors. Unlike traditional AI systems that follow a linear progression, the brain features looping and skipping connections that contribute to nuanced processing abilities. Understanding these complex architectures in neural networks can provide insights into more effective learning models and improve AI development. By acknowledging the brain's design, researchers can enhance the ability of artificial networks to learn and adapt, mirroring human cognition.
Long-Term Memory and Its Implications
Research into how long-term memories are formed and processed in the brain highlights the role of the hippocampus in memory storage and retrieval. This investigation reveals that memories must maintain generalizable structures to be transferred from short-term to long-term storage. When memories are too unique or context-specific, they risk remaining confined to the hippocampus indefinitely. Such insights could inform treatments for memory-related diseases, suggesting that understanding memory processes may lead to improved therapeutic strategies in conditions like Alzheimer's and PTSD.
The human brain is surely one of the most complex and fascinating creations in all of nature. It’s through them that we experience the world around us, develop knowledge and skills, and carry within us memories of events and experiences that occurred decades in the past, which we can later draw on to face new challenges.
But when it comes to understanding exactly what is going on between our ears, we’re only just starting to scratch the surface. Could artificial intelligence technology help us in this quest?
In this episode, we’re joined by Prof Andrew Saxe, a computational neuroscientist based at University College London.
He tells us about the work his lab is carrying out on modelling the function of our brains using artificial intelligence, what this research has already uncovered about how our brains learn and what we can look forward to discovering in the coming decade or so.
Andrew is a finalist for the Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists.