A Brief History of Wires in the Brain

Cobb, Matthew

doi:10.3389/fevo.2021.760269

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…First and foremost, is the definition of "computer" (Brette, 2022*;Richards and Lillicrap, 2022*). And the list continues with "computing" and "recursion" (Danchin and Fenton, 2022*), "algorithm" (Brette, 2022*;Richards and Lillicrap, 2022*;Roli et al, 2022*), "computable function" (Richards and Lillicrap, 2022*), "robot, " "program, " and "software" (Bongard and Levin, 2021*), "information" (Cobb, 2021*;Gershenson, 2021*;Danchin and Fenton, 2022*), "Artificial Intelligence" (Roli et al, 2022*), "intelligence" (Gershenson, 2021*), "cognition" (Fraser et al, 2021*).…”

Section: Semantics: Concepts and Definitionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The brain-computer analogy—“A special issue”

Matassi

Martinez

2023

Front. Ecol. Evol.

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In this review essay, we give a detailed synopsis of the twelve contributions which are collected in a Special Issue in Frontiers Ecology and Evolution, based on the research topic “Current Thoughts on the Brain-Computer Analogy—All Metaphors Are Wrong, But Some Are Useful.” The synopsis is complemented by a graphical summary, a matrix which links articles to selected concepts. As first identified by Turing, all authors in this Special Issue recognize semantics as a crucial concern in the brain-computer analogy debate, and consequently address a number of such issues. What is missing, we believe, is the distinction between metaphor and analogy, which we reevaluate, describe in some detail, and offer a definition for the latter. To enrich the debate, we also deem necessary to develop on the evolutionary theories of the brain, of which we provide an overview. This article closes with thoughts on creativity in Science, for we concur with the stance that metaphors and analogies, and their esthetic impact, are essential to the creative process, be it in Sciences as well as in Arts.

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Section: Semantics: Concepts and Definitionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The brain-computer analogy—“A special issue”

Matassi

Martinez

2023

Front. Ecol. Evol.

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“…Using engineering-derived metaphors, the accepted model of the stress response in the CNS uses the idea that the brain can be modelled as a collection of multiple neural networks reminiscent of multiple interconnected organs [ 2 ]. According to this idea, the CNS integrates information received from the external and internal environment [ 3 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Functional MRI Techniques Suggesting that the Stress System Interacts with Three Large Scale Core Brain Networks to Help Coordinate the Adaptive Response: A Systematic Review

Paltoglou

Stefanaki

Chrousos

2024

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Objective: Synthesis of functional MRI (fMRI) and functional connectivity (FC) analysis data on human stress system (SS) function, as it relates to the dynamic function of the Salience (SN), Default Mode (DMN) and Central Executive (CEN) networks. Methods: Systematic search of Medline, Scopus, Clinical Trials.gov, and Google Scholar databases of studies published prior to September 2022 resulted in 28 full-text articles included for qualitative syn- thesis. Results: Acute stress changes the states of intra-/inter- neural network FCs and activities from those of resting, low arousal state in the SN, DMN and CEN, during which intra- and inter-network FCs and activities of all three networks are low. SS activation is positively linked to the activity of the SN and negatively to that of the DMN, while, in parallel, it is associated with an initial decrease and a subse- quent increase of the intra- network FC and activity of the CEN. The FC between the DMN and the CEN increases, while those between the SN and the CEN decrease, allowing time for frontal lobe strategy input and “proper” CEN activity and task decision. SN activation is linked to sensory hyper- sensitivity, “impaired” memory, and a switch from serial to parallel processing, while trait mindful- ness is associated with FC changes promoting CEN activity and producing a “task-ready state”. Conclusion: SS activation is tightly connected to that of the SN, with stress hormones likely potentiat- ing the intra-network FC of the latter, attenuating that of the DMN, and causing a biphasic suppres- sion-to-activation response of the CEN, all adaptive changes favoring proper decisions and survival.

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“…However, in many cases, approaches to "code" follow the metaphors that happen to be current (Turner, 1975). A poignant critique warning about the pitfalls of a metaphoric approach to cognition and neuroscience can be found in a recent article by Cobb (2021). The arguments are particularly appropriate to the casual treatments of "code" made frequently in neuroscience, which seldom acknowledge the specific conceptual treatment introduced by linguistics and semiotics several decades ago to deal with matters such as the distinction between signal and symbol, the difference between information and signification or the problems related to the relationships between syntax, semantics and behavior (Eco, 1978).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

From signals to music: a bottom-up approach to the structure of neuronal activity

Noel,

Mugno,

Andres

2023

Front. Syst. Neurosci.

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IntroductionThe search for the “neural code” has been a fundamental quest in neuroscience, concerned with the way neurons and neuronal systems process and transmit information. However, the term “code” has been mostly used as a metaphor, seldom acknowledging the formal definitions introduced by information theory, and the contributions of linguistics and semiotics not at all. The heuristic potential of the latter was suggested by structuralism, which turned the methods and findings of linguistics to other fields of knowledge. For the study of complex communication systems, such as human language and music, the necessity of an approach that considers multilayered, nested, structured organization of symbols becomes evident. We work under the hypothesis that the neural code might be as complex as these human-made codes. To test this, we propose a bottom-up approach, constructing a symbolic logic in order to translate neuronal signals into music scores.MethodsWe recorded single cells’ activity from the rat’s globus pallidus pars interna under conditions of full alertness, blindfoldedness and environmental silence. We analyzed the signals with statistical, spectral, and complex methods, including Fast Fourier Transform, Hurst exponent and recurrence plot analysis.ResultsThe results indicated complex behavior and recurrence graphs consistent with fractality, and a Hurst exponent >0.5, evidencing temporal persistence. On the whole, these features point toward a complex behavior of the time series analyzed, also present in classical music, which upholds the hypothesis of structural similarities between music and neuronal activity. Furthermore, through our experiment we performed a comparison between music and raw neuronal activity. Our results point to the same conclusion, showing the structures of music and neuronal activity to be homologous. The scores were not only spontaneously tonal, but they exhibited structure and features normally present in human-made musical creations.DiscussionThe hypothesis of a structural homology between the neural code and the code of music holds, suggesting that some of the insights introduced by linguistic and semiotic theory might be a useful methodological resource to go beyond the limits set by metaphoric notions of “code.”

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A Brief History of Wires in the Brain

Cited by 4 publications

References 32 publications

The brain-computer analogy—“A special issue”

The brain-computer analogy—“A special issue”

Functional MRI Techniques Suggesting that the Stress System Interacts with Three Large Scale Core Brain Networks to Help Coordinate the Adaptive Response: A Systematic Review

From signals to music: a bottom-up approach to the structure of neuronal activity

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