Speaker
Description
Implementing bioinspired neural networks in silico is a powerful tool for studying brain processes. These networks grant access to the real-time behavior of individual neurons within a complex circuitry, such as the ones executing neurosensory functions.
This contriubtion proposes a computational model to study how the mammalian brainstem implements sound localization: the ability to identify an acoustic source in the surrounding space. The main actors in sound localization are two brainstem nuclei: the medial and the lateral superior olive. We have reconstructed a model made of thousands of spiking neurons tailored to the auditory brainstem circuitry and its tonotopic organization.
The major inputs of our model are two acoustic information intrinsically linked to the position of a sound source in space, the interaural time difference (ITD) and level difference (ILD). Respectively, they consist of the disparity in the arrival time and in the intensity of sound between the right and the left ear.
With such a realistic model, we tested the latest neuroscience theories on how these two brainstem nuclei exploit these binaural cues to create an auditory map in the brain.
Eventually, we shed light on the dual pathway that, thanks to its redundancy, improves the precision and reliability of sound source identification.
Acknowledgements
I would like to express my deep gratitude to my supervisor, Prof. Alberto Antonietti, for giving me the opportunity to work under his guidance on this thesis project, for the many teachings I have received from him over the past few months and for the way he has passed on to me the passion for computational neuroscience topics that we both share. Furthemore, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to my co-supervisor Prof.
Alessandra Pedrocchi, for giving me the opportunity to work on this fascinating project.
References
- Benedikt Grothe, Michael Pecka, and David McAlpine. Mechanisms of sound localization in mammals. Physiological Reviews, 90(3):983–1012, July 2010
- Tom C.T. Yin, Phil H. Smith, and Philip X. Joris. Neural mechanisms of binaural processing in the auditory brainstem. Comprehensive Physiology, 9:1503–1575, 10 2019
- Stanley A. Gelfand. Hearing : an introduction to psychological and physiological acoustics. Informa Health-
care, 2010.
| Preferred form of presentation | Talk (& optional poster) |
|---|---|
| Topic area | models and applications |
| Keywords | spiking neural network, computational model, neurosensory systems, spatial hearing, sound localization, MSO, LSO, brainstem, binaural cues, ITD, ILD |
| Speaker time zone | UTC+1 |
| I agree to the copyright and license terms | Yes |
| I agree to the declaration of honor | Yes |
