Gabriele Scheler, a computational neuroscientist and co-founder of the Carl Correns Foundation for Mathematical Biology, delves into groundbreaking neuron models and their applications in AI. She argues that traditional neuron models have stagnated, advocating for approaches that account for internal cellular computations, which could revolutionize AI development. Gabriele also explores the interplay between language and thought, critiques the limitations of current AI, and reflects on how our internal verbal dialogues shape cognition, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding in neuroscience.

In this discussion with Alison Preston, a neuroscientist at the University of Texas at Austin, schemas take center stage in understanding cognition. She unpacks how these mental frameworks evolve from childhood to adulthood, influencing memory and decision-making. The conversation touches on the fascinating links between neural alignments and creativity, especially during adolescence. They also explore the implications of AI on human memory and the importance of precise terminology in psychology, offering a glimpse into the complex tapestry of our cognitive processes.

Listeners are invited to join a collaborative journal club dedicated to the fascinating field of complexity science. The discussion will center around foundational papers, fostering insights and connections to participants' own research. The speaker also introduces an exclusive complexity group, teasing significant themes from a notable book containing 20 essential papers. Additionally, there are perks for Patreon subscribers, hinting at exciting upcoming engagements.

Ciara Greene, an Associate Professor at University College Dublin, dives into the fascinating world of human memory. Her research reveals that memories aren't perfect records but flexible constructs helping us navigate life. They evolve over time, influenced by emotion and context. Discussing her book, Greene highlights the benefits of forgetting and the dangers of misinformation, especially in legal scenarios. Listeners will gain insights into how memories shape our identities and the ethical implications of memory research.

In a captivating discussion, Dmitri Chklovskii, head of the Neural Circuits and Algorithms lab at the Flatiron Institute, reveals how neurons are far more than just passive processors. He argues that these 'smart' cells actively influence their inputs, reshaping our understanding of brain function. The conversation dives into the complexities of the C. elegans connectome, uncovering its significance for neural communication. Chklovskii also challenges traditional neuroscience by exploring how feedback mechanisms and spike timing shape learning and behavior.

David Robbe, a neuroscientist and leader of the Cortical-Basal Ganglia Circuits and Behavior Lab, dives into how we perceive time beyond traditional measurements. He challenges the notion of a 'clock' in our brains, suggesting that time estimations come from our interactions with the environment. Robbe explores the intriguing link between behavior and neural timing, highlights Bergson's philosophy on time and memory, and contrasts human cognition with AI's mechanical processing, raising questions about free will and survival instincts.

David Krakauer, president of the Santa Fe Institute, is a prominent expert in complexity science and author of "The Complex World." In this intriguing discussion, he explores the four pillars of complexity—entropy, evolution, dynamics, and computation. Topics include the historical context of complexity science, the interplay of agency and emergent properties, and how time scales affect our understanding of systems. Krakauer also addresses the challenges of integrating various disciplines and the significance of information theory in neuroscience.

In this engaging discussion, Eli Sennesh, a postdoctoral researcher at Vanderbilt University, sheds light on predictive coding and its implications for understanding brain functions. He navigates the intriguing concept of 'divide-and-conquer predictive coding' and its experimental applications. The conversation also touches on the relationship between neuroscience and AI, emphasizing the need for biologically plausible computational models. They explore the complexities of decision-making, consciousness, and the humor in our perceptions of task difficulty, offering a delightful blend of research insights and personal anecdotes.

In this discussion, Rajesh Rao, a distinguished professor at the University of Washington, dives deep into the concept of predictive coding, revealing how our brains predict and adjust to sensory signals. He introduces his latest research on 'Active predictive coding,' expanding on how action and perception interplay in our cortical structures. The conversation also explores groundbreaking brain-computer interfaces, including BrainNet, which connects minds, and the ethical implications of augmenting human cognition through technology.

Join Grace Hwang, a Program director at NIH specializing in neuroscience and AI, and Joe Monaco, a scientific program manager at NIH, as they dive deep into the future of NeuroAI. They discuss the BRAIN Initiative's successes, the integration of AI with neuroscience, and the significance of neurodynamical computing. Grace and Joe explore innovative concepts like digital twins and their implications for neurosurgery. They also address the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle the complexities of brain research and the ethical dimensions of these advancements.