Cognitive functions and dysfunctions emerging from large-scale data-driven models of brain regions

15/12/2022 – ore 14:00

Abstract:

Understanding the neural basis of brain functions and dysfunctions has a huge impact on a number of scientific, technical, and social fields. Experimental findings have given and continue to give important clues at different levels, from subcellular biochemical pathways to behaviors. However, most of the multi-level mechanisms underlying the cognitive architecture of the involved brain regions are still largely unknown or poorly understood. This mainly depends on the practical impossibility to obtain detailed simultaneous in vivo recordings from an appropriate set of cells, making it nearly impossible to decipher and understand the emergent properties and behavior of large neuronal networks. We are addressing this problem using large-scale computational models of biologically inspired cognitive architectures. I will present and discuss the main results and techniques we use to design and exploit full-scale models of neurons and networks implemented following their natural 3D structure, with the main aim to uncover the mechanisms underlying higher brain functions and helping the development of innovative therapies to treat brain diseases.

INFO : seminari.irib@irib.cnr.it