How AI & Neuroscience Propel Each Other Forward

This Kransnow Institute study looked at Peters' rule, a principle suggesting that brain cells connect where axons and dendrites overlap. Scientists found the rule to be 75% accurate in predicting connections between different types of brain cells in the hippocampus and 99% accurate when accounting for special cases. The findings help researchers understand how brain cells organize themselves and form networks.

This University of Milano study explores how people cooperate in social networks by looking at connections between multiple people rather than just pairs. The research found that cooperation thrives best in networks where tight-knit groups, like families or communities, are loosely connected to other groups. This mirrors how human societies naturally organize themselves, from ancient tribal communities to modern social structures.

This Vrije University study used AI to understand how people learn by analyzing data from 6,000 people practicing math online. They used two AI systems: one to predict learning progress and another to turn these predictions into simple mathematical formulas. While the AI found interesting patterns, like learning following logarithmic curves and potential improvements on existing theories, it's unclear if these patterns apply universally to all types of learning.