Brain Inspired BI 199 Hessam Akhlaghpour: Natural Universal Computation
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Nov 26, 2024 Hessam Akhlaghpour, a postdoctoral researcher at Rockefeller University, delves into the theoretical realm of molecular computation and its intersections with neuroscience. He unveils fascinating insights on RNA's potential as a universal computational medium. The discussion spans the evolutionary significance of this capability and how combinatory logic plays a role in biological systems. Hessam reflects on how his journey through neuroscience reshaped his understanding of memory and computation, challenging traditional views and igniting new ideas in computational theories.
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Universal Computation in Neuroscience
- Neuroscience computational models often fall short of universal computation.
- Universal computation is the ability to solve any computable function, given the algorithm.
Structural Stability
- Common neural networks and dynamical systems lack structural stability, making them biologically irrelevant for universal computation.
- Structural stability means a system remains similar despite small parameter changes.
Evolution and Universal Computation
- Hessam Akhlaghpour finds it unlikely that biology hasn't stumbled upon universal computation, given its simplicity.
- Universal computation systems offer significant selective advantages for organisms.