BPML: Neurons talk to each other: can Maths predict what happens when this communication breaks down? - Dr Aravind Kamaraj

Lecture Brief

In the brain, neurons communicate with each other by sending pulses of electrical signals called action potentials. These action potentials can cause the receptor neuron to either send more action potentials (excitatory) or prevent them from sending action potentials (inhibitory). We can draw a parallel between the spread of gossip and the spread of electrical activity in the brain. Excitatory neurons act like individuals who actively spread the gossip while inhibitory neurons act like individuals who try to prevent this spread. I will demonstrate how we can describe this ‘spreading phenomena’ using mathematical equations and visualize the results. I will then show how these simple equations can be used to understand epilepsy, a neurological disease where the balance between excitatory and inhibitory processes are altered.

Speaker - Dr Aravind Kamaraj

Awaiting photo.

RSVP

All the Birmingham Popular Maths Lectures take place in Lecture Theatre A in the Watson Building (R15 on our campus map) and run from 19:00-20:00, with doors opening from 18:30. This is the last lecture in our 2023/24 series and will take place on Wednesday 27 March 2024.

There is no need to register to attend in person. If you'd like to register to attend via Zoom, please fill in this form.