Self-Assembling Brain: How Neural Networks Grow Smarter

Neurobiology and artificial intelligence explore how the brain builds itself. The Self-Assembling Brain discusses the information necessary to make an intelligent neural network, the genetic information unfolding during brain development, and the challenges facing scientists. It argues that the information content of biological and artificial neural networks must unfold in an algorithmic process requiring time and energy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 04 May 2021
Publisher: Princeton University Press

The intricate process of how the brain develops and functions is a subject of intense study in the fields of neurobiology and artificial intelligence. Neurobiologists seek to understand the biological mechanisms that underpin brain development, while computer scientists aim to replicate these processes through technology. The Self-Assembling Brain, a book by Peter Robin Hiesinger, explores the historical and contemporary approaches taken by these scientists to address the fundamental question: what information is necessary to create an intelligent neural network?

Hiesinger argues that the information problem, which underlies both fields, drives the research forward. He explores how genetic information unfolds during human brain development and investigates whether there is a faster path to creating human-level artificial intelligence. He also examines whether the biological brain can be improved through the application of learning algorithms on computers or if AI can bypass the evolutionary programming of "grown" networks.

The book is structured as a series of fictional discussions between researchers from different disciplines, complemented by in-depth seminars. These discussions highlight the challenges facing scientists, their diverse disciplinary perspectives, and the common ground shared by those interested in developing biological brains and AI systems. Hiesinger contends that the information content of biological and artificial neural networks must unfold through an algorithmic process that requires time and energy. He emphasizes that there is no genome or blueprint that depicts the final product, and the self-assembling brain knows no shortcuts.

The book is written for readers interested in advances in neuroscience and artificial intelligence. It provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in these fields and offers insights into the potential future directions of this research. Whether you are a scientist, researcher, or simply curious about the brain and its capabilities, The Self-Assembling Brain is a valuable resource for understanding the complex relationship between neurobiology and artificial intelligence.

Weight: 710g
Dimension: 166 x 243 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691181226