Neuroscience
Ongoing coverage on Neuroscience.
Latest coverage
"The more aroused the fly is the harder it tries to shoot" - Google's fully mapped fly brain is now playing Doom, Beat Saber, and more
Google's fully mapped male fruit fly brain has been engineered to play video games like Doom and Beat Saber. An engineer trained the simulated fly brain to play Doom, with another modder getting it to play Beat Saber and other shooters. Google stated this is a significant step in neuroscience research.
After Google mapped an adult male fruit fly's brain, software engineers made it play Doom, Mario64, and Beat Saber
Software engineers have successfully trained a 3D model of a male fruit fly's brain, mapped by Google, to play video games including Doom, Super Mario 64, and Beat Saber. While the Doom playthrough is described as not very good, the Beat Saber performance is noted as surprisingly competent, with ongoing efforts to improve its reactive capabilities.
Same receptor, two routes: Cambridge team maps the brain circuits behind obesity drugs
A study from the University of Cambridge has identified distinct brain circuits responsible for the weight loss effects of different obesity drugs. Researchers found that activating the GLP-1 receptor in the brainstem suppresses appetite, while blocking the GIPR receptor in the hypothalamus reduces weight through a separate mechanism. These findings could lead to the design of more effective combination obesity treatments.
The Hard Problem Won’t Go Away: Christof Koch on Why Brain Maps Can’t Explain Redness
Neuroscientist Christof Koch discussed the 'hard problem' of consciousness at a symposium, highlighting the gap between brain activity mapping and the subjective experience of phenomena like seeing red. He explored materialism, idealism, and panpsychism, suggesting that current scientific models may be incomplete in explaining consciousness and advocating for continued study of phenomena like near-death experiences and terminal lucidity.
Morning Audio Files
This article delves into the effects of infrasound on ear mechanics, drawing from neuroscience research. It explores how low-frequency sounds can alter auditory system functions.
Nintendo Brain Training Professor Explains Why Driving a Manual Transmission Car Is Better for Your Brain Than an Automatic
Neuroscientist Ryuta Kawashima, known for Nintendo's Brain Age series, suggests that driving a manual transmission car may be more beneficial for brain health than driving an automatic. His research indicates this could potentially help prevent dementia.
Gabe Newell was an enthusiastic supporter of OpenAI in 2018, donating $20 million and even acting as the sole member of…
Internal emails from the Musk v. Altman lawsuit reveal that Valve founder Gabe Newell was an early supporter of OpenAI, donating $20 million in 2018 and acting as an informal advisor. The emails also highlight Newell's interest in neuroscience and his attempts to arrange a SpaceX tour for Hideo Kojima.
Evening Tech Bits
A new brain implant designed to treat depression is set to begin human testing. This medical technology aims to provide a novel therapeutic approach for individuals suffering from severe depression.
Hollywood Stars Often Cited Among the Smartest in the Industry
This article highlights ten Hollywood celebrities recognized for their exceptional intelligence and academic achievements alongside their acting careers. Figures like Natalie Portman, Conan O’Brien, and Brian May are noted for their accomplishments in fields such as psychology, literature, and astrophysics, demonstrating a blend of creative talent and intellectual prowess.
10 Celebrities Who Are Surprisingly Brilliant
This article highlights ten celebrities with exceptionally high IQs and impressive academic achievements alongside their entertainment careers. Figures like Natalie Portman, Conan O’Brien, and Brian May demonstrate brilliance in fields ranging from psychology and astrophysics to engineering and screenwriting, proving that intelligence manifests in diverse ways.
A Petri Dish Full Of Human Brain Cells Just Learned How To Play Doom
Scientists at Cortical Labs have successfully trained lab-grown human brain cells to play the video game Doom. Using neuron-powered computer chips programmed with Python, an independent developer taught the brain cell cultures to interact with the game within a week. This advancement demonstrates the potential for biological systems to cope with complexity and real-time decision-making, moving closer to future bio-hybrid computing.
