Events
Past Event
WED@NICO SEMINAR: Satoru Suzuki, Northwestern University "Some simple rules governing macroscopic oscillatory neural activity in humans"
Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems (NICO)
12:00 PM
//
Lower Level, Chambers Hall
Details
Speaker:
Satoru Suzuki, Professor, Department of Pychology, Northwestern University
Title:
Some simple rules governing macroscopic oscillatory neural activity in humans
Abstract:
Oscillatory neural activity is ubiquitous, potentially contributing to neural communications via frequency channels. Extensive research has related oscillatory activities in specific frequency bands and regions to performing specific behavioral functions such as attentional selection, working memory, episodic memory, decision making, motor control, and so on. Our recent EEG-based research focused on a complementary goal of discovering simple rules that may govern the global dynamics of oscillatory neural activity. I will discuss some of the rules we have identified so far, such as: (1) Macroscopic oscillatory synchronizations may change relatively slowly while maintaining maximum entropy on the seconds timescale, (2) Maximal and minimal synchronizations may occur in spatially complementary small-scale and large-scale networks, (3) The global phase organization of oscillatory activities may be controlled by phase reversals in the long-distance frontal-occipital network, and (4) Alpha-band oscillations spontaneously frequency-converge along the frontal-occipital axis, mediated by synergistic interactions, potentially enhancing information flows to and from occipital regions. These simple rules may provide useful macroscopic constraints on computational models. Given that our results are observational, future research is necessary to understand how these rules may contribute to cognition and the maintenance of adaptive, responsive, and/or metastable neural dynamics.
Speaker Bio:
Satoru Suzuki is a Professor and the Director of Graduate Studies at Northwestern’s Department of Psychology. A major goal of his research has been to understand the cortical mechanisms that enable people to perceive coherent global forms from retinal illumination patterns that are often ambiguous as to what meaningful forms and configurations are present. He has used psychophysical paradigms, recently combined with computational modeling, that allow for parametric comparisons of behavioral results with known physiological properties of visual neurons. His research provides insights into the ultimate questions of (1) how neural activity throughout the ventral visual stream generates a seemingly coherent and unitary visual awareness while responding concurrently to different components and aspects of retinal stimulation, and (2) how visual awareness is maintained in a meta-stable state so that it shifts from one coherent scene interpretation to another (driven spontaneously or by attention) at a rate optimized for efficient analyses of the visual environment.
Location:
In person: Chambers Hall, 600 Foster Street, Lower Level
Remote option: https://northwestern.zoom.us/j/99656192503
Passcode: NICO2023
About the Speaker Series:
Wednesdays@NICO is a vibrant weekly seminar series focusing broadly on the topics of complex systems and data science. It brings together attendees ranging from graduate students to senior faculty who span all of the schools across Northwestern, from applied math to sociology to biology and every discipline in-between. Please visit: https://bit.ly/WedatNICO for information on future speakers.
Time
Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location
Lower Level, Chambers Hall Map
Contact
Calendar
Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems (NICO)
WED@NICO SEMINAR: Michael Dickey, NC State University "Shaping a Soft Future"
Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems (NICO)
12:00 PM
//
Lower Level, Chambers Hall
Details
Speaker:
Michael Dickey, Camille & Henry Professor, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, NC State University
Title:
Shaping a Soft Future
Abstract:
Existing devices—such as cell phones, computers, and robots – are made from rigid materials, which is in direct contrast to the soft materials that compose the human body. In this talk, I will discuss several topics related to studying and harnessing soft materials within the context of creating devices (actuators, sensors, electronics) with tissue like properties.
· Liquid metal: Gallium-based liquid metals are often overlooked despite their remarkable properties: melting points below room temperature, water-like viscosity, low-toxicity, and effectively zero vapor pressure (they do not evaporate). Normally small volumes of liquids with large tension form spherical or hemi-spherical structures to minimize surface energy. Yet, these liquid metals can be patterned into non-spherical shapes (cones, wires, antennas) due to a thin, oxide skin that forms rapidly on its surface. Recently, we have discovered a simple way to separate the oxide from the metal as a way to deposit 2D-like oxides at ambient conditions.
· Shape reconfiguration: Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of liquid metals it the ability to use interfacial electrochemistry chemistry to remove / deposit the oxide to manipulate the surface tension of the metal over unprecedented ranges (from the largest tension of any known liquid to near zero!). This allows manipulating the shape and position of the metal for shape reconfigurable devices.
· Ionogels: Soft materials that are tough (that is, they do not readily tear or fail mechanically) are important for a number of applications, including encapsulation of devices. Recently, we discovered a simple way to create ulta-tough ionogels, which are polymer networks swollen with ionic liquids. These materials are tougher than cartilage and compatible with 3D printing.
This work has implications for soft and stretchable electronics; that is, devices with desirable mechanical properties for human-machine interfacing, soft robotics, and wearable electronics.
Speaker Bio:
Michael Dickey received a BS in Chemical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology (1999) and a PhD from the University of Texas (2006) under the guidance of Professor Grant Willson. From 2006-2008 he was a post-doctoral fellow in the lab of Professor George Whitesides at Harvard University. He is currently the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Professor in the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at NC State University. He completed a sabbatical at Microsoft in 2016 and EPFL in 2023. Michael’s research interests include soft matter (liquid metals, gels, polymers) for soft and stretchable devices (electronics, energy harvesters, textiles, and soft robotics).
Location:
In person: Chambers Hall, 600 Foster Street, Lower Level
Remote option: https://northwestern.zoom.us/j/96920996561
Passcode: NICO25
About the Speaker Series:
Wednesdays@NICO is a vibrant weekly seminar series focusing broadly on the topics of complex systems, data science and network science. It brings together attendees ranging from graduate students to senior faculty who span all of the schools across Northwestern, from applied math to sociology to biology and every discipline in-between. Please visit: https://bit.ly/WedatNICO for information on future speakers.
Time
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location
Lower Level, Chambers Hall Map
Contact
Calendar
Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems (NICO)
Winter Classes End
University Academic Calendar
All Day
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Winter Classes End
Time
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Contact
Calendar
University Academic Calendar
Spring Classes Begin - Northwestern Monday: Classes scheduled to meet on Mondays meet on this day.
University Academic Calendar
All Day
Details
Spring Classes Begin - Northwestern Monday: Classes scheduled to meet on Mondays meet on this day.
Time
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Contact
Calendar
University Academic Calendar