life inspired

"Neuromorphic emulations express the dynamics of neural systems in analogous electronic circuits, offering a distributed, low-power technology for constructing intelligent systems. However, neuromorphic circuits are inherently imprecise and noisy, and there has been no systematic method for configuring reliable behavioral dynamics on these substrates. We describe such a method, which is able to install simple cognitive behavior on the neuromorphic substrate. Our approach casts light on the general question of how the neuronal circuits of the brain, and also future neuromorphic technologies, could implement cognitive behavior in a principled manner." Full paper @ PNAS

Labels: bio-inspired computing, intelligent behavior, neuroscience

"A study shows that stem cells can be used to generate self-organizing three-dimensional tissues that mimic the developing human brain. These tissues provide a tool for modelling neurodevelopmental disorders." Full news report @ Nature

Labels: neuroscience

More evidence that DNA and RNA are directly involved in learning and memory in the brain... Connectionism seems not to be enough... "Scientists studying mice reported that normal neuronal activation stimulated by exposure to new environments can cause temporary DNA breaks—suggesting that transient damage may be involved in learning and memory." Full article @ Nature Neuroscience

Labels: dna, memory, neuroscience

"In recent years, neuroscientists have made great strides in understanding the mechanisms and processes of innate behaviour as well as the circuits (both anatomical and molecular) that mediate them. For instance, a new Nature paper describes a powerful method to uniquely label individual cells within a population, and thereby distinguish adjacent neurons and cellular processes. This genetic labelling of neurons with multiple distinct colours allows for the large-scale analysis of neuronal circuits". Full web feature @ Circuits and Innate Behaviour : Web focus : Nature

Labels: neuroscience