Brain Inspired BI 215 Xiao-Jing Wang: Theoretical Neuroscience Comes of Age
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Jul 2, 2025 Xiao-Jing Wang, a Distinguished Global Professor of Neuroscience at NYU, dives into the fascinating world of theoretical neuroscience. He discusses the integration of technology and behavioral psychology in understanding cognitive functions like working memory. The conversation covers the role of the prefrontal cortex in mental health, innovative research methods for studying neural activity, and the parallels between neural networks and AI. Wang even sheds light on the significance of neuronal structures and the intricacies of cognition in decision-making and psychiatric disorders.
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Wang's Journey to Neuroscience
- Xiao-Jing Wang shared his journey from physics to neuroscience, emphasizing his accidental entry into prefrontal cortex research.
- His background in dynamical systems influenced his pioneering work in working memory and decision-making models.
Modularity Puzzle in Brain Function
- Working memory signals are widespread in the brain, raising puzzles about functional modularity.
- Dense inter-area connectivity challenges how distinct cognitive functions arise in brain circuits.
Uniform Circuits, Special Functions
- The cortex is composed of canonical microcircuits repeated across regions, yet functional specialization arises despite this uniformity.
- Variations in inputs, outputs, and inhibitory neuron proportions contribute to regional specialization.