Critical Spiking Neural Networks

Artificial intelligence is used as an umbrella term describing our attempts at reproducing two key human characteristics, intelligence and thought. We know that these abilities come from the brain, so why not start by reproducing the human brain ? A spiking neural network is an attempt at modelling how neural cells in nature behave dynamically. By reproducing the electrical signals of a single neuron and connecting neurons together we observe a complex interaction of spiking activity possibly underlying the intelligent behavior we see in nature. In my talk I will briefly describe this technique and give several examples on its application in neuroscience and artificial intelligence. I will conclude by defining what a critical network is and how chaotic behavior plays an important role in optimizing information processing in neural networks. This talk will be for those of you who are curious on how to make an artificial “brain” and how the chaos in your mind not only makes your forget where your house keys are but also optimizes your thought processes.