Brain Inspired

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.

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.

In this intriguing discussion, Tony Zador, head of the Zador lab at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, shares his insights on the synergy between neuroscience and artificial intelligence. He argues that biological principles can significantly improve AI efficiency, particularly through understanding animal behavior. The conversation dives into the evolution of NeuroAI, the pitfalls of current AI models, and the parallels between genetic coding and neural networks. Zador highlights the importance of incorporating developmental learning stages from humans and animals to create more adaptable AI systems.

In this insightful discussion, Karen Adolph, a professor at NYU and head of the Infant Action Lab, shares her groundbreaking research on how infants learn to move and think. Alongside her partner Mark Blumberg, they challenge traditional views of the motor cortex, revealing its role in processing sensory information rather than just motor functions. They dive into the importance of real-world observations in understanding development, the influence of ecological psychology, and how insights from infants can inform advances in artificial intelligence and robotics.

Cristina Savin, a neuroscientist studying learning through recurrent neural networks, and Tim Vogels, who explores synaptic plasticity using AI, join the conversation. They discuss the transformative impact of deep learning on neuroscience research and the balance between innovation and traditional scientific inquiry. The duo reflects on the challenges of staying diverse in methodologies while utilizing AI tools. They also humorously address the academic pressures of productivity and work-life balance, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and broad reading in research.

Mikkel Lepperød, an organizer of the NeuroAI workshop, joins neuroscientists Ken Harris and Andreas Tolias to explore AI's influence on neuroscience. They delve into the intersection of neural modeling and AI, discussing the balance between predictive accuracy and interpretability. The conversation highlights the role of deep learning in understanding cognition, the potential pitfalls of AI in research, and the philosophical implications of modern models. They also share insights on validating scientific ideas and the evolving productivity landscape in academia.