10.09.2009 - Steve Potter at Emory

    • Big questions
      • What is thought?
      • What is memory?
      • What is learning?
    • The brain can be divided up into two types of structures
      • Classifier / attractor
      • Discriminator / repeller
    • Technologies
      • Using MEAs to combine technology with cultured neurons
    • Bursts within MEAs are considered to be attractors
    • Changes observed within the MEA that appear to be a result of non-synaptic plasticity
    • STDP - spike timing dependent plasticity is considered important for changing synaptic weights.
      • Each neuron is considered to have a memory
    • Stimulating MEAs on multiple electrodes has been shown to quiet entire culture
      • Possible non-drug treatment of epilepsy (John Rolston)
    • Desire to show goal directed learning (Bakkum Chao)
      • For that experiment I am still suspect of the methods
      • Even if things work how do you control for the possibility that you are not "teaching" the network, merely "learning" the network?
    • Questions
      • If you mess with the metabolism of the cells does that affect their learning?
      • Have you tried "networking" the individual networks of cells?