Artificial Intelligence (AI) Enhanced Through Brain Networks

Cognitive tasks can be performed efficiently using artificial intelligence (AI) networks based on human brain connectivity as per a study at the Mcgill University, published in the journal Nature Machine Intelligence. The study team examined MRI data from a large Open Science repository to reconstruct a brain connectivity pattern. The pattern was then applied to an artificial neural network (ANN).

An ANN is a computing system, very much similar to the biological brain that consists of multiple input and output units. The ANN was further trained and observed by the scientists to perform a cognitive memory task.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cognition

The team integrated two unique approaches to learn how the wiring of the brain supports specific cognitive skills, and to derive novel design principles for artificial networks:

• Connectomics – describes brain organization, without looking at how it actually performs computations and functions.
• ANNs – include arbitrary structures that do not reflect how real brain networks are organized.

It was found that neuromorphic neural networks – ANNs with human brain connectivity performed more flexibly and efficiently the cognitive memory tasks when compared to other benchmark architectures. These neural networks supported a wide range of learning capacities across multiple contexts.

“The project unifies two vibrant and fast-paced scientific disciplines. Neuroscience and AI share common roots, but have recently diverged. Using artificial networks will help us to understand how brain structure supports brain function. In turn, using empirical data to make neural networks will reveal design principles for building better AI. So, the two will help inform each other and enrich our understanding of the brain,” says Bratislav Misic, a researcher at The Neuro and the paper’s senior author.

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Source-Medindia