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| Kenji Doya Unit |
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Neural Computation Unit
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<Links>
OIST Neural Computation Unit
Kenji Doya's Home Page
Department of Computational Neurobiology
ATR Computational Neuroscience Laboratories
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| < Abstract > |
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The goal of this research is to understand the neurobiological substrate
of human mind by combining top-down computational modeling and bottom-
up neurobiological experiments. Recent advances in molecular biology revealed
specific genes and molecules responsible for affective and cognitive disorders,
such as schizophrenia and depression. However, those disorders are the
result of complex interactions between the environment and multiple genes
and molecules, most notably the neuromodulatory systems such as dopamine
and serotonin.
Understand of such interactions requires computational models including
environmental dynamics. For that purpose, we will work on three major subjects:
1) development of a novel computational framework for system identification
of biological networks;
2) neurobiological experiments to study the dynamic functions of neuromodulators
in regulating adaptive behaviors;
3) robotic experiments to explore adaptive mechanisms necessary for survival
and reproduction in dynamic environments.
By combining theoretical, biological, and engineering approaches, the research
shall produce novel software tools for dynamic modeling, highly adaptive
robots with emotion-like regulatory functions, and new approaches to therapy
and prevention of psychiatric disorders.
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| < Research Goals > |
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| The goal of Neural Computation Unit is to understand the neurobiological
substrate of human mind by combining top-down computational modeling and
bottom-up neurobiological experiments. |
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| < Research Groups > |
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- Dynamical Systems Group -
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| We develop novel computational frameworks for system identification of
biological networks, such as intracellular molecular cascades and gene
networks. We employ Bayesian framework to estimate unknown variables and
parameters based on experimental data and prior knowledge in an efficient
and objective way. |
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- Systems Neurobiology Group -
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We test theoretical models about how neuromodulators, such as dopamine
and serotonin, regulate learning and decision making through neurobiological
experiments using rodents.
(Neuromodulatory systems: dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline,
and acetylcholine)
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- Adaptive Systems Group -
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We explore adaptive mechanisms necessary for self-preservation and self-reproduction
using artificial rodent robots, which survive by foraging battery packs
and reproduce in software through IR communication ports.
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| < Expected Outcome > |
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- By combining theoretical, biological, and engineering approaches, the research
shall produce novel software tools for dynamic modeling, highly adaptive
robots with emotion-like regulatory functions, and new approaches to therapy
and prevention of psychiatric disorders.
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| < For More Information > |
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Paper: Doya K. (2002). Metalearning and neuromodulation.
Neural Networks, 15, 495-506. |
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