“The Mind-Body Connection Part III—Making Sense Out of Noise in Neural Circuits”

Roberto F. Galán, assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and Ken Loparo, the Nord Professor of Engineering, will present “Making Sense Out of Noise in Neural Circuits.” The lecture is the third part of The Mind-Body Connection series, supported by Siegal Lifelong Learning, and will take place Tuesday, Nov. 28, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the Tinkham Veale University Center.

Talk details

Neural circuits are subject to sources of variability akin to static noise in electrical circuits. The presenters will present several examples from their research, showing that unlike man-made devices, neural circuits have adapted not only to cope with different levels of noise, but also to take advantage of that intrinsic variability and uncertainty to encode information, modulate neuronal activity, and transform behavior. Program schedule:

• 5:30 p.m.: Coffee and sign-in
• 6 to 7 p.m.: Lectures
• 7 to 7:30 p.m.: Dinner with faculty and fellows

Parking will be available. Registration is $40 for members and $48 for nonmembers. Learn more and register online.

Series details

Presented by Siegal Lifelong Learning and the Institute of Science Origins, this series engages community members with one another and with leading scholars to investigate rapidly developing areas of origins science. Each evening begins with a presentation by a world-class researcher, followed by complimentary dinner and open discussion among all the participants. The Mind-Body Connection series also is sponsored by the Case Western Reserve University Emeriti Academy, an organization administered through the Office of the Provost, which is intended to foster closer continuing relationships with emeriti faculty after they retire from full-time employment.