How neurons build networks: A scientist mashes up smartphone data, graph theory and biochemistry
- Time:
- Sunday, October 30th, 9:30 am to 10:30 am
- Location:
- Iberian, Omni la Mansión del Rio
- Speaker(s):
- Amina Ann QutubAssistant professor, Department of Bioengineering, Rice University
How do networks form in the brain? This question, engineer Amina Qutub thinks, is crucial to understanding the machinery of the cell and the role of cellular functions in disease and repair in the brain. One of Qutub's studies is reverse-engineering the construction of neurons and neural networks in Alzheimer's patients. Her research techniques combine massive data collection using smartphones with biochemical and cellular studies and graph-theory approaches drawn from computer science. Having copious, multi-scale data on each individual makes it possible to connect processes inside the cell with functional changes in the brain.
Social media hashtag: #buildabrain
