New Books in Psychology
Grace Lindsay, "Models of the Mind: How Physics, Engineering and Mathematics Have Shaped Our Understanding of the Brain" (Bloomsbury, 2021)
Mar 21, 2025
Grace Lindsay, an Assistant Professor at NYU and author of "Models of the Mind," explores the fascinating world of theoretical neuroscience. She discusses the intricate interplay between mathematics and biology in understanding brain efficiency and the historical context of electrical models in neurobiology. Lindsay highlights the surprising complexities of a lobster's digestive neural circuitry and the challenges of studying the motor cortex. The conversation also touches on the synergy between neuroscience and AI, aiming to address big questions, including climate change.
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Quick takeaways
- Mathematical modeling simplifies complex biological systems in neuroscience, offering insights while highlighting the importance of iterative refinement as new data emerges.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration in neuroscience, particularly with climate science, underscores the importance of diverse approaches to comprehensively tackle global challenges.
Deep dives
Benefits of Mathematical Modeling in Neuroscience
Mathematical modeling plays a crucial role in understanding the complexities of biological systems, particularly in neuroscience. By simplifying intricate phenomena, models can enable researchers to focus on essential aspects of how neurons and brain circuits operate. For instance, the concept of 'spherical cows' illustrates how researchers simplify biological entities for problem-solving, which can yield insights despite the potential flaws in oversimplification. However, it's essential to recognize that while these models can enhance understanding, they also come with limitations that require researchers to be cautious and iterative in refining their models as new data emerges.
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