Gresham College Lectures The Turbulent Brain: Rhythms and Waves - Alain Goriely
Apr 11, 2025
Alain Goriely, Gresham Professor of Geometry and Director at the Oxford Centre for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, dives into the brain's intricate wave dynamics. He discusses the interplay of neuronal communication, revealing how oscillations influence cognitive processes. The conversation highlights fascinating concepts like the 'slowness paradox' in human memory, advanced imaging techniques, and the links between brain activity and conditions like epilepsy and depression. It's a thought-provoking exploration of how math and neuroscience intertwine.
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Brain Waves as Biomarkers
- EEG measures brain waves that vary with states like sleep or alertness at different frequencies.
- These waves reflect crucial biomarkers of brain activity and cognitive states.
Neuron Spikes Encode Information
- Hodgkin and Huxley explained neuron activity through a precise biophysical model of ion channel dynamics.
- Their model shows neuron action potentials as spikes that encode bits of information reliably by passing thresholds.
Excitatory-Inhibitory Neuron Balance
- Inhibitory neurons dampen activity and excitatory neurons promote it, balancing brain region behavior.
- This excitatory-inhibitory interaction creates oscillations foundational for brain wave rhythms.