Xiao-Jing Wang - Theory of the multiregional neocortex: large-scale neural dynamics and distributed cognition
290 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA 94305
Gunn Rotunda (E241)
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Join the speaker for coffee, cookies, and conversation after the talk
Theory of the multiregional neocortex:
large-scale neural dynamics and distributed cognition
Abstract
With recent technological advances, neuroscience of multi-regional brain-wide neural circuits is poised to take off. Here I will focus on recent large-scale modeling of cortex based on cortical connectomes of monkeys and mice. First, our model naturally gives rise to a hierarchy of timescales, which has been tested experimentally. Second, I will highlight the concept of macroscopic gradients of synaptic excitation and inhibition as a general principle of the whole cortical organization. Third, I will show how our model is used to investigate distributed cognitive functions such as working memory and decision making. It is proposed that bifurcations in space provide an explanation of how modularity of diverse functions may emerge from repeats of a canonical local circuit throughout the neocortex.
Xiao-Jing Wang
NYU
Xiao-Jing Wang is Distinguished Global Professor of Neural Science and director of the Swartz Center for Theoretical Neuroscience at New York University. Previously he was Professor at Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Wang’s research focuses on theory and neural mechanisms of cognitive functions such as working memory and decision-making, with a special interest in the prefrontal cortex (often called the “CEO of the brain”). He is one of the founders of the nascent field of Computational Psychiatry. More recently, his group developed theory and connectome-based modeling of large-scale brain circuits to investigate whole brain dynamics and distributed cognition. His research bridges neuroscience, artificial intelligence and psychiatry. Dr. Wang is a recipient of Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship, Guggenheim Fellowship, Swartz Prize for Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience Prize, Goldman-Rakic Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Cognitive Neuroscience. He was elected to the Royal Academy of Belgium in 2021.
Hosted by - Feng Chen (Shaul Druckmann lab)
About the Wu Tsai Neuro Seminar Series
The Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute seminar series brings together the Stanford neuroscience community to discuss cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary brain research, from biochemistry to behavior and beyond.
Topics include new discoveries in fundamental neurobiology; advances in human and translational neuroscience; insights from computational and theoretical neuroscience; and the development of novel research technologies and neuro-engineering breakthroughs.
Unless otherwise noted, seminars are held Thursdays at 12:00 noon PT.