New computer model helps reveal how the brain both adapts and misfires

45 pointsposted 10 hours ago
by XzetaU8

6 Comments

jt2190

3 hours ago

The “flight simulator” here is actually a software “brain simulator” built up from a model of actual brain cell biology. Like weather forecasting models, researchers can tweak various aspects of the brain and see what happens.

IAmBroom

2 hours ago

Headline is weirdly both dumbed down, and boosted with tech jargon.

dev_hugepages

an hour ago

As a reminder, you should check the original article (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-63994-y) to get more extensive and accurate information.

foundart

an hour ago

Indeed! Quite interesting.

title: The neural basis for uncertainty processing in hierarchical decision making

abstract: Hierarchical decisions in natural environments require processing uncertainty across multiple levels, but existing models struggle to explain how animals perform flexible, goal-directed behaviors under such conditions. Here we introduce CogLinks, biologically grounded neural architectures that combine corticostriatal circuits for reinforcement learning and frontal thalamocortical networks for executive control. Through mathematical analysis and targeted lesion, we show that these systems specialize in different forms of uncertainty, and their interaction supports hierarchical decisions by regulating efficient exploration, and strategy switching. We apply CogLinks to a computational psychiatry problem, linking neural dysfunction in schizophrenia to atypical reasoning patterns in decision making. Overall, CogLink fills an important gap in the computational landscape, providing a bridge from neural substrates to higher cognition.

dang

an hour ago

Thanks, we'll put that link in the toptext as well.

dang

an hour ago

[stub for offtopicness]