Brain Inspired
Paul Middlebrooks
Neuroscience and artificial intelligence work better together. Brain inspired is a celebration and exploration of the ideas driving our progress to understand intelligence. I interview experts about their work at the interface of neuroscience, artificial intelligence, cognitive science, philosophy, psychology, and more: the symbiosis of these overlapping fields, how they inform each other, where they differ, what the past brought us, and what the future brings. Topics include computational neuroscience, supervised machine learning, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, deep learning, convolutional and recurrent neural networks, decision-making science, AI agents, backpropagation, credit assignment, neuroengineering, neuromorphics, emergence, philosophy of mind, consciousness, general AI, spiking neural networks, data science, and a lot more. The podcast is not produced for a general audience. Instead, it aims to educate, challenge, inspire, and hopefully entertain those interested in learning more about neuroscience and AI.
Episodes
Mentioned books
41 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 1h 30min
BI 207 Alison Preston: Schemas in our Brains and Minds
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.
Mar 5, 2025 • 7min
Quick Announcement: Complexity Group
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.
33 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 1h 29min
BI 206 Ciara Greene: Memories Are Useful, Not Accurate
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.
57 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 1h 39min
BI 205 Dmitri Chklovskii: Neurons Are Smarter Than You Think
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.
Jan 29, 2025 • 1h 38min
BI 204 David Robbe: Your Brain Doesn’t Measure Time
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.
92 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 1h 46min
BI 203 David Krakauer: How To Think Like a Complexity Scientist
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.
4 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 1h 38min
BI 202 Eli Sennesh: Divide-and-Conquer to Predict
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.
Dec 18, 2024 • 1h 37min
BI 201 Rajesh Rao: From Predictive Coding to Brain Co-Processors
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.
5 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 1h 37min
BI 200 Grace Hwang and Joe Monaco: The Future of NeuroAI
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.
39 snips
Nov 26, 2024 • 1h 49min
BI 199 Hessam Akhlaghpour: Natural Universal Computation
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.
