A branch of neuroscience which uses mathematical and computer models to understand how the brain works, that is, the principles of computation and representation and their neural implementation.
Aims:
what? description: unify data in a single framework.
how? understand underlying mechanisms.
why? understand principles underlying functions (optimality for eg) ⇢ make predictions / guide experiments. better data analysis.
Dipanjan Roy, Rodrigo Sigala, Michael Breakspear, Anthony Randal McIntosh, Viktor K. Jirsa, Gustavo Deco, Petra Ritter. Revealing how local and global plasticity shapes the brain’s dynamical landscape. Brain Connectivity Journal 01 oct 2014 dx.doi.org/10.1089/brain.2014.0252.
RP_Fig2 copy-page-001 (1)The human brain is a complex system capable of producing nonstationary spatio temporal signals. Mathematical descriptions based on neural mass models describing population firing rate and time-dependent analysis of regional time series is capable of making predictions about systems dynamics. This further establishes a direct bridge between biologically inspired theory, simulations and experimental design. This informed prediction from theory based on biological constraints serves as an important tool for designing novel sensory stimuli to probe brain dynamics at multiple spatial and temporal scales of organization. In our lab we examine structural and functional brain networks using data from non-invasive neuroimaging techniques (fMRI, MEG, MRI, DTI, DSI). Our goal is to determine fundamental organizational principles of both underlying anatomy and specificity of functional dynamics. Our results collectively point to principles of optimal topology of networks that supports certain function of modules, spatial and temporal scaling of network organization, and network adaptability in response to increasing cognitive demands or in the context of learning. We are also interested in the recently emerging field of computational neuropsychiatry where complementary evidence accumulates from neuropsychiatric disease, specifically schizophrenia, Parkinsonian disease that exhibits disruption of normal connectivity patterns, the prevalence of wiring inefficiency, disruption of neurochemical balance and as a consequence impact directly whole brain network dynamics.