Modeling neural growth and selective stabilization

The neocortex can be considered an important extension of the thalamus, evolving as it enhances survival. The authors' investigation of the mechanisms of learning using the reality of neural evolution as a guide is discussed. Although cerebral organization is largely genetically determined, irreproducible patterns are produced during genesis of the cortex. During the profuse axonal growth in the early years of postnatal development, epigenetic experience provides the signal energy which flows through the thalamus to specific regions on the cortex to define the structure of the cortical connections. As the neural growth cones of the axons aggressively seek out places to form new synapses, redundant connections are formed that are eventually lost through experience. The remaining synapses form codons which channel signal energy and define regions of cortical activity when sensory input is interrupted by the thalamus. The results of a computer simulation of neuronal activity executed on a parallel processing system comprising 30 transputers are presented in detail.<
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