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SUMMARY:Brain geometry and dynamics - James Pang (Monash University)
DTSTART:20231127T123000Z
DTEND:20231127T133000Z
UID:TALK208195@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Dace Apšvalka
DESCRIPTION:A methods talk based on a recent Nature paper:\n_Pang\, James 
 C.\, et al. "Geometric constraints on human brain function." Nature (2023)
 : 1-9. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06098-1_\n\n*Abstract:* 
 _The anatomy of the brain necessarily constrains its function\, but precis
 ely how remains unclear. In this presentation\, I will show that cortical 
 and subcortical activity can be understood as resulting from excitations o
 f fundamental\, resonance modes of the brain’s geometry (that is\, its s
 hape) rather than from modes of complex interregional connectivity\, as cl
 assically assumed. I will also show that brain activations evoked by a cog
 nitive task are not confined to focal areas\, as widely believed\, but ins
 tead excite brain-wide modes with long wavelengths. Finally\, I will show 
 that the close link between geometry and function is explained by a domina
 nt role of wave-like activity\, and that wave dynamics can reproduce numer
 ous canonical spatiotemporal properties of spontaneous and evoked recordin
 gs. These findings challenge prevailing views and identify a previously un
 derappreciated role of geometry in shaping function\, as predicted by a un
 ifying and physically principled model of brain-wide dynamics._\n\n*Bio:* 
 Dr James Pang received his PhD in Physics from the University of Sydney an
 d completed his postdoctoral training in the Brain Modelling Group at QIMR
  Berghofer Medical Research Institute. He is currently a Research Fellow a
 t Monash University's Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health and Sch
 ool of Psychological Sciences. His research employs a multidisciplinary ap
 proach that combines whole-brain imaging\, biophysical modelling\, and con
 nectivity to better understand the mechanisms of brain function in health\
 , disease\, and across species.\n\n*Venue:* MRC CBU Lecture Theatre and Zo
 om https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82385113580?pwd=RmxIUmphQW9Ud1JBby9nTDQzR0NRd
 z09
LOCATION: MRC-CBU\, 15 Chaucer Road\, Cambridge
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