Qing Yu
Nov
11
11:00 AM11:00

Qing Yu

Title: Understanding human thinking and the generative mind 

Abstract: A core feature of human intelligence is the ability to flexibly construct internal representations to guide thought and behavior. While these processes rely on distributed brain networks, how the brain coordinates multiple internal representations to support flexible thought and imagination remains poorly understood. In this talk, I will present a series of recent studies investigating these neural dynamics. I will first demonstrate how a distributed working memory network underlies the generation and maintenance of internal representations. I will then show how the canonical working memory network interacts with the default mode network to support the prioritization and sustained maintenance of multiple internal representations. Finally, if time permits, I will reveal how the brain dynamically reactivates past experiences and constructs future trajectories during sequential mental navigation. Together, these findings provide new insights into how distributed brain networks give rise to the conscious experience of ongoing thought.


Chinese Academy of Sciences
http://english.cebsit.cas.cn/lab/yuqing/research/

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Seán Froudist-Walsh
Oct
28
11:00 AM11:00

Seán Froudist-Walsh

Title: Cortex-wide computational modelling of neural dynamics during conscious access

Abstract: Recent advances in neuroimaging, anatomy and physiology make it possible to probe whole-brain neural correlates of conscious perception in unprecedented detail. However, as yet, few models in computational neuroscience have tackled the mechanisms underlying dynamic, distributed neural activity during tasks probing conscious access. In this talk I will describe our anatomy-led approach to developing multiscale models of neural activity during cognitive tasks. I will focus on the mechanisms that may produce reported neural correlates of conscious access.  I will then talk about recent work investigating competition between internally- and externally-oriented cognition and a potential role of serotonin (and psilocybin) in mediating this competition.

University of Oxford & Trinity College Dublin

https://www.oxcin.ox.ac.uk/people/sean-froudist-walsh

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CANCELLED - Aniruddh Patel
Jun
17
4:00 PM16:00

CANCELLED - Aniruddh Patel

Due to unforseen illness, this event has been cancelled. Apologies for any disappointment.
Musical beat processing: cognitive, neural, and cross-species perspectives
A core feature of human music cognition is the ability to perceive a periodic underlying beat in complex rhythmic sequences.  Beat perception has an intimate link to movement, scaffolding synchronized movements to music among performers and listeners.  Growing evidence from cognitive neuroscience points to an important role for the motor system in beat perception, even in the absence of overt movement. Several researchers have hypothesized that auditory-motor interactions play a causal role in the brain’s ability to predict beat timing. In this presentation I will discuss ideas for the role that specific motor structures play in predicting the timing of beats (even in the absence of movement), describe some surprising aspects of cross-species findings on beat processing,  and introduce the phenomenon of musical “beat deafness”, in order to spark discussion of how this deficit in beat perception and synchronization may relate to metacognition.

https://as.tufts.edu/psychology/people/faculty/aniruddh-patel

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Tamar Kushnir
Jun
4
3:00 PM15:00

Tamar Kushnir

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