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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...

Development of Prefrontal Cortex: Regions of PFC

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a critical brain region associated with higher-order cognitive functions, including executive function, decision-making, social behavior, and emotional regulation. The PFC undergoes significant development across the lifespan, with distinct regions contributing to various aspects of cognitive control and behavior. Here are the key regions of the prefrontal cortex and their functions: 1.      Orbitofrontal Cortex (BA 11) : o     Location : Located in the ventromedial part of the PFC. o    Function : The orbitofrontal cortex is involved in decision-making, reward processing, emotional regulation, and social behavior. It plays a role in evaluating the emotional and motivational significance of stimuli and guiding adaptive behavior based on reward outcomes. 2.      Ventrolateral PFC (BA 44, 45, 47) : o     Location : Situated in the lower lateral aspects of the PFC. o   Functi...

Patterns of Change in Experience and the Brain

The relationship between experience and the brain is characterized by dynamic patterns of change that reflect the impact of environmental stimuli, learning, and behavioral interactions on neural structure and function. Here are key patterns of change in the relationship between experience and the brain: 1.      Sensitive Periods : o     Early Development : Experience plays a crucial role during sensitive periods in early development when the brain is highly responsive to environmental input. These critical periods are characterized by rapid and efficient learning, such as language acquisition, sensory processing, and social interactions. o     Neural Plasticity : During sensitive periods, the brain exhibits heightened neural plasticity, allowing for the formation of synaptic connections and neural circuits in response to specific experiences. This plasticity enables the brain to adapt to environmental stimuli and optimize cognitive devel...

Patterns of Change in relation between structural changes and behaviour

The relationship between structural changes in the brain and behavior is a complex and dynamic interplay that underscores the neural basis of cognitive functions and behaviors. Here are some key patterns of change in the relationship between structural changes in the brain and behavior: 1.      Neuroplasticity : o     Experience-Dependent Changes : Structural changes in the brain, such as synaptic pruning, dendritic growth, and myelination, are influenced by environmental stimuli and experiences. This neuroplasticity allows the brain to adapt and reorganize in response to learning, practice, and environmental demands. o     Behavioral Adaptation : Changes in brain structure support behavioral adaptation by optimizing neural circuits for specific tasks or skills. For example, learning a new language may lead to structural changes in language-related brain regions, enhancing language proficiency and fluency. 2.      Fun...

Patterns of Change in sex differences in brain development

Sex differences in brain development refer to the structural and functional variations between male and female brains that emerge during development. Here are some patterns of change in sex differences in brain development: 1.      Brain Size and Structure : o     Early Differences : Male brains tend to be larger than female brains, with these differences appearing as early as 5 years of age. These size variations are attributed to differences in overall brain volume and specific regional volumes. o     Regional Variations : Studies have reported regional differences in brain structure between males and females. For example, females may have greater cortical volume relative to the cerebrum, particularly in the frontal and medial paralimbic cortices, while males may have greater volume in the frontomedial cortex, amygdala, and hypothalamus. 2.      Neuronal Numbers and Connectivity : o     Neuronal Densi...

Patterns of Change in Gray Matter

Gray matter undergoes dynamic changes throughout development, reflecting the maturation and specialization of neural circuits in the brain. Here are some key patterns of change in gray matter: 1.     Early Growth and Pruning : In early childhood, there is a period of rapid growth in gray matter volume, driven by increases in neuronal cell bodies, dendrites, and synapses. This phase is followed by a process of pruning, where weaker or unused connections are eliminated to optimize neural efficiency. 2.     Regional Variability : Gray matter changes exhibit regional variability, with different brain regions showing distinct patterns of growth and decline over time. For example, cortical regions involved in sensory and motor functions may mature earlier than areas responsible for higher-order cognitive processes. 3.    Inverted-U Shaped Trajectory : Many cortical regions, especially dorsal areas, exhibit an inverted-U shaped trajectory of gray matter ...

Patterns of Change in White Mater

White matter undergoes significant changes throughout development, reflecting the maturation and refinement of neural connections in the brain. Here are some key patterns of change in white matter: 1.    Increase in White Matter Volume : During early development, there is a rapid increase in white matter volume, reflecting the growth of myelinated axons and the establishment of neural pathways. This period of white matter expansion is crucial for enhancing connectivity between different brain regions. 2.     Myelination : Myelination, the process of insulating axons with myelin sheaths, continues throughout childhood and adolescence, leading to increased white matter integrity and faster neural transmission. Myelination enhances the efficiency of neural communication and supports cognitive functions. 3.      Pruning and Refinement : As the brain matures, there is a process of pruning and refinement in white matter connectivity. Unused or inef...