Functional computer model of the brain

Neuroscientists from the University of Waterloo claim to have created the most complex and large-scale model of the human brain. Using the open source neurostimulator Nengo on a supercomputer, they emulated the work of 2.5 million neurons, separated by functionality, in accordance with the real parts of the human brain.



Unlike IBM Watson and other systems, a virtual model called SPAUN (Semantic Pointer Architecture Unified Network) was created not for solving practical problems, but for the most realistic simulation of the human brain. For example, in the Blue Brain project, IBm specialists focused on creating an accurate spatial model, but did not take into account the functional differences of brain regions.



Data is entered into the SPAUN via a digital “eye” with a resolution of 28x28 (784) pixels. Other ways to enter information is not provided. He can show a number of numbers and characters that are transmitted to the memory. The system perceives some signs as commands to be executed. The result of the calculations SPAUN records mechanical "hand".

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Interestingly, information is processed by a computer in about the same way as the human brain does, as far as neuroscientists know today. The system has a prefrontal area, subcortical nuclei, basal ganglia, thalamus, etc. Neuroscientists have tried to program the processing of information as close as possible to the natural. Visual signals enter the visual cortex, then the thalamus. The thalamus is responsible for redistributing information to different areas of the cerebral cortex. The basal ganglia control the flow of information through the prefrontal area, updating it according to current need.



For example, if you need to prepare food at the moment, the necessary sequence of actions is loaded into the prefrontal area. In case of emergency, this information is erased - and information about driving a car is downloaded. A person is able to quickly switch from one task to another - has extremely high cognitive flexibility - thanks to the basal ganglia and long-term memory.



In the SPAUN simulator, scientists also laid down the limitations inherent in the human brain. For example, the system cannot store a sequence of characters that is too long in RAM.



Now neuroscientists are working on the mechanism of self-learning and rewriting of neurons in the “brain” so that SPAUN can reprogram itself and learn new tasks.



The Nengo simulator and the SPAUN neuromodel itself can be downloaded here : spaun.zip .



The scientific work of specialists from the University of Waterloo was published in the journal Science (for a paid firewall). Free copies: 1 , 2 , 3 .















Sources: ExtremeTech , PopSci