Neural Modeling

Brain functions arise through the complex interactions of many neurons. During behavior, neurophysiological techniques can observe the responses of some neurons, but they cannot reveal directly the nature of their functional interactions. The Neural Modeling Section was established to provide insight into the nature of neuronal interactions underlying motor behavior through theoretical and mathematical modeling. Without good models, it is impossible to explain what signals are intrinsic to the brain, what behaviors to expect, or how to interpret the effects of brain lesions. Our goal is to construct and test models of sensory and motor functions that are based on experimental observations.