Several research programs at the Institute focus on designing of theoretical models which can lead to understanding activity within single neurons as well as systems involving networks of neurons.

Neuronal Network Dynamics
The field of theoretical neuroanatomy studies neuronal network dynamics and structures. Researchers at the Institute record neural activity in the brain-based-device Darwin X. These observations have led to several specific hypotheses regarding the functional roles of known anatomical pathways through the hippocampus, the brain’s region responsible for spatial memory and navigation.

Single Neuron Models
At the Institute our researches have produced computer models that combine biological and computational concepts in order to simulate firing patterns of various types of neurons such as cortical, thalamic and hippocampal neurons. These simulated neuronal firing patterns are indistinguishable from actual neuronal responses recorded in laboratories. These generated models can be incorporated in simulated nervous systems of brain-based-devices.

Large-Scale Brain Simulations
The Institute has been involved in the development of novel strategies for designing models for the entire brain. Currently our scientists have focused on building two models. The first is a model in unprecedented detail that is based on the microcircuitry of the cat’s visual cortex. This model has six layers of cortical structure and incorporates 24 types of spiking neurons. The second model is a simulation of a simpler system which contains 10^11 neurons and 10^13 synapses, equivalent to numbers found in a human brain. One second of real-life neuronal activity takes 50 days of computer time in this model. Both of these models provide benchmarks for resources needed to simulate realistic models of the human brain.

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