Understanding Neural Circuits Through Simulation and Experimentation

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A 50-millisecond response time limits the number of computational steps for a dragonfly to calculate its turn, providing an opportunity to study a small neural circuit involved in this process. By building a model of the neural circuit and comparing predicted neural responses with actual responses in living dragonflies, researchers aim to identify the neurons responsible for coordinate transformations. Experiments involve using virtual reality to present moving targets to the dragonflies while recording neural activities to validate the model.

Artificial intelligence is powerful, but what about natural intelligence? This hour, TED speakers explore the intrinsic genius in animal language, insect behavior, plant anatomy and our immune system. Guests include neuroscientist Greg Gage, computational neuroscientist Frances Chance, social psychoneuroimmunologist Keely Muscatell and environmental researcher Karen Bakker.

We want to dedicate this episode to Bakker who passed away in August 2023, only a few months after giving her TED Talk. Her research and legacy continue to inspire.

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