Comments on: Human brains share a consistent genetic blueprint and possess enormous biochemical complexity

By: Bruce Bowen

Bruce Bowen — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 16:22:16 +0000

It’s beginning to look to me that the cerebrum could be a relativively simple structure architecturally, for example 10 billion computational cores, all alike. It is simple computational “muscle”. This is not to say that the data structures and memories stored within it are not astronomically complex. This could explain how the brain is sometimes able to “reconfigure” itself after injury. Just reassign resourses from other regions to cover for the damaged region. The “O.S.” of the brain resides in the architecturally more complex and/or diverse structures such as the basil ganglia and the thalumus. It could also explain how humans evolved such a much more powerful brain in so short a time. Just grow “more of same.” Could lead to new nootropics that humans could take during developement (i.e. “steroids” for brain growth.)

By: Editor

Editor — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 13:42:19 +0000

Data as plural is used in science publications, so we retain that convention when the used is used in this manner in specific articles to avoid confusion, but not for other uses.

By: Victor Shulist

Victor Shulist — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 13:33:16 +0000

Data is a singular noun in modern English. Originally plural if you’re writing a paper in Latin. But since the late 19th century it has taken on a new meaning – that of more precise facts and figures, becoming a mass noun. Language evolves, too bad people can’t.

By: Mr.X

Mr.X — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:32:19 +0000

Marcos Marinus vinum bonum (nimis) amat.

Jk.But even I know that data is plural.

And, I see you comments become friendlier! Gj.

By: MrFriendly

MrFriendly — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 05:46:56 +0000

Reverse-engineering the brain won’t be out of reach, if large-scale quantum computing materializes.

By: Peter Kinnon

Peter Kinnon — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 00:20:31 +0000

Wow! – whoever could have guessed that “Human brains possess enormous biochemical complexity”

That HAS to be groundbreaking headline news! :>)

On the other hand, Kurzweil doesn’t seemed to have realized it yet – still planning to reverse-engineer it.

Not a bad article otherwise.

By: Marcos Marin

Marcos Marin — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 21:18:54 +0000

Correct YOUR Latin:

data is plural of datum! Neuter past principle of “dare” — to give, thus, datum (and data, since English doesn’t distinguish number here) means “given”.

You are correct though when calling attention to the ubiquitous misuse of Latin, producing confusion of the likes of you.

By: Marcos Marin

Marcos Marin — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 21:09:03 +0000

Actually more analogous to looking at computer programs and exclaiming “Oh look! They are all in binary!” duh! yes, pretty useless… in fact:

“Many previously uncharacterized genes are turned on in specific brain regions and localize with known functional groups of genes, suggesting they play roles in particular brain functions.”

That’s all you need from this piece. Actually, what we really needed was a more in depth elaboration of this. The rest is old news, obvious, down right useless or even wrong.

By: MrFriendly

MrFriendly — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 19:51:43 +0000

Good point.

By: Victor Shulist

Victor Shulist — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 18:52:48 +0000

Correct your English

” these data show”

SHOULD BE

” this data shows”

By: MrFriendly

MrFriendly — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 18:51:04 +0000

Wow, looks like quantum processors will have to be involved to simulate the massive amount of molecular reactions.

It’s going to be so interesting to see how varying levels of simulation perform in virtual environments. This will offer so many insights into what is necessary for intelligence and behavior.

By: Gorden Russell

Gorden Russell — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 18:27:36 +0000

This reminded me of Kim Suozzi. How is she doing now?

By: Bruce Bowen

Bruce Bowen — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 18:01:46 +0000

“Despite controlling a diversity of functions, ranging from visual perception to planning and problem-solving, the cortex is highly homogeneous relative to other brain regions. This suggests that the same basic functional elements are used throughout the cortex and that understanding how one area works in detail will uncover fundamentals that apply to the other areas, as well.’

Perhaps this could be because the cortex could be a simple computational resource engine, with various regions servicing motivational producing regions in the thalamus.