Using Optical Illusions and AI to Study Brain Function

Computer modeling is a powerful tool being used for a rapidly growing range of tasks. But as artificial brains boom, they raise questions about how our human brains work. Scientists are now using optical illusions to study how vision is processed in brains, both real and artificial. This episode explores these ideas. We'll get some surprising results from neural networks designed to make predictions, including one that composes music tailored to the individual listener's brain.

Do you see a spiral? Are you sure?
Higher layers of neurons visualize more complex shapes.
An AI system records brain waves to create custom "calming" music.
Test subjects listen to their "customized" compositions.

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