Gresham College Lectures
The Turbulent Brain: Rhythms and Waves - Alain Goriely
Apr 11, 2025
Alain Goriely, Gresham Professor of Geometry and Director at the Oxford Centre for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, dives into the brain's intricate wave dynamics. He discusses the interplay of neuronal communication, revealing how oscillations influence cognitive processes. The conversation highlights fascinating concepts like the 'slowness paradox' in human memory, advanced imaging techniques, and the links between brain activity and conditions like epilepsy and depression. It's a thought-provoking exploration of how math and neuroscience intertwine.
56:21
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Quick takeaways
- The brain's intricate wave dynamics reveal the complex interplay of neuronal activity, essential for understanding cognitive processes and states of consciousness.
- Mathematical models of neuronal communication, like those by Hodgkin and Huxley, illuminate how electrical impulses enable information transmission within the brain.
Deep dives
Understanding Brain Dynamics
The episode delves into the complex activity occurring in the brain during various states of consciousness, including thinking, sleeping, and feeling. It emphasizes that understanding these dynamics can be enhanced through mathematics, which helps to create a clearer picture of brain activities and patterns. The discussion introduces the concept of brain waves, detected using electroencephalography (EEG), which illustrates different mental states by measuring oscillations in brain activity. The significance of these measurements lies in their ability to serve as crucial biomarkers for brain activity, revealing insights into people's operational states such as relaxation, sleep, and alertness.
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