Contrary to previous assumptions, nerve cells in the human neocortex are wired differently than in mice. The study found that human neurons communicate in one direction, while in mice, signals tend to flow in loops. This increases the efficiency and capacity of the human brain to process information.
These discoveries could further the development of artificial neural networks.
The neocortex, a critical structure for human intelligence, is less than five millimeters thick. There, in the outermost layer of the brain, 20 billion neurons process countless sensory perceptions, plan actions, and form the basis of our consciousness. How do these neurons process all this complex information? That largely depends on how they are"wired" to each other.
To be able to observe the flows of signals between neighboring neurons in the outermost layer of the human neocortex, the team developed an improved version of what is known as the"multipatch" technique. This allowed the researchers to listen in on the communications taking place between as many as ten neurons at once . As a result, they were able to take the necessary number of measurements to map the network in the short time before the cells ceased their activity outside the body.
In the past, AI developers have looked to biological models for inspiration in designing artificial neural networks, but have also optimized their algorithms independently of the biological models."Many artificial neural networks already use some form of this forward-directed connectivity because it delivers better results for some tasks," Geiger says."It's fascinating to see that the human brain also shows similar network principles.
Neuroscience Brain Injury Mice Behavioral Science Animal Learning And Intelligence Neural Interfaces Computer Modeling Information Technology
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