9318328 Kim The objective of this project is to investigate the functionality and the specificity of neural networks formed from artificially cultured biological neurons on a VLSI chip, with respect to information processing. To achieve the objective, methods to understand signal transmission and processing in neurites, as well as the methods to understand the operation of neural networks formed from biological neurons. For this project, there are three goals: 1) investigate the dynamic neuronal connectivity of function-specific neurons of the snail, Helisoma trivolvis on a VLSI chip with real time measurements. 2) test the hypothesis that the synapsin molecules play an important role on the information processing as the neighboring associated molecules of cytoskeleton of neurites. 3) develop a nonlinear dynamic Hebbian-like learning algorithm based on the mathematical modeling of the experimental results. The proposed research will develop a new discipline called synthetic neuroscience, i.e. the use of electronics technology to assist the quantitative understanding of the brian, bringing together neuroscience and electronic chip engineering.
