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Energy Manifold Natural Gradient Descent: From Riemannian Optimization to Modern Neuroscience, NeuroAI and Quantum Physics

When Geometry, Energy, Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience Converge Modern Artificial Intelligence is rapidly moving beyond the idea that learning simply means minimizing an error function. Increasingly, researchers are asking a deeper question: what is the structure of the space in which learning takes place? This question becomes particularly important when the system being modelled is constrained, nonlinear, dynamic, or governed by physical principles. A recent work titled “Energy Manifold Natural Gradient Descent: Riemannian Optimization for Neural PDE Solvers” , by Zhangyong Liang and Huanhuan Gao, introduces Energy Manifold Natural Gradient Descent (EMNGD) , a mathematical framework that extends energy-based natural-gradient optimization from unconstrained Euclidean parameter spaces to constrained Riemannian parameter manifolds . At its core, the framework proposes a simple but powerful principle: An optimization algorithm should not only determine how to reduce error; it sh...

Increasing the Cortical Thickness Increases the Gyral Wavelength

Increasing the cortical thickness has been shown to influence the gyral wavelength during brain development. Here is an explanation of how changes in cortical thickness can impact the gyral wavelength:


1.     Physics-Based Models: Physics-based models predict that the gyral wavelength, which refers to the distance between adjacent gyri on the brain's surface, increases with increasing cortical thickness. These models take into account the mechanical properties of the cortical tissue and how variations in thickness can affect the folding patterns observed in the cerebral cortex.


2.     Radial Organization: The cortical thickness is largely determined by the radial organization of the cortical plate during early stages of development. As the cortex expands and thickens due to differential growth processes, the spacing between gyri is influenced by the overall thickness of the cortical tissue. Changes in cortical thickness can modulate the surface morphogenesis of the brain, leading to alterations in the gyral wavelength.


3.     Surface Morphology: Studies have shown that decreasing the cortical thickness can result in an increased number of folds and a decrease in the gyral wavelength. Conversely, increasing the cortical thickness leads to changes in the folding patterns, affecting the complexity of the brain's surface. These variations in cortical thickness and folding dynamics contribute to the overall structural organization of the cerebral cortex.


4.     Geological Analogies: The concept of cortical folding and its relationship to cortical thickness draws parallels to geological folding processes. Just as geological structures exhibit folding patterns based on the thickness and composition of rock layers, the brain's folding patterns are influenced by the mechanical interactions within the cortical tissue. Understanding how changes in cortical thickness impact the gyral wavelength provides insights into the mechanisms underlying brain morphogenesis.


5.     Developmental Implications: The relationship between cortical thickness and gyral wavelength has implications for brain development and function. Variations in cortical thickness can affect the surface area of the cortex, neuronal connectivity, and the distribution of functional areas across the brain. By studying how changes in cortical thickness influence the folding patterns of the cerebral cortex, researchers can gain a better understanding of the structural adaptations that occur during neurodevelopment.


In conclusion, increasing the cortical thickness is associated with an increase in the gyral wavelength, reflecting the intricate relationship between cortical morphology and brain development. By exploring the effects of cortical thickness on folding patterns, researchers can uncover the underlying mechanisms that shape the convoluted structure of the human brain and its functional implications.

 

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