Artificial Neural Networks

Andres Chavez

Abstract

An Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is a mathematical model used to emulate biological neural networks. In neuroscience a biological neural network is referred to as a population of physically interconnected neurons(electrically excitable cells) or a group of distinct neurons whose inputs define a recognizable circuit. The most well known location of neurons is in the brain. However, neurons can be found throughout the nervous system and are responsible for all signals transmitted through the body. For example, pain is sensed in a finger when smashed by a car door because neurons located at the finger send electrical signals down a line of neurons to the brain where the signal is then interpreted as pain. Neurons consist of the soma, dendrites, synapses, and other structures as can be seen in Figure 1 above. The nature of these structures will be further investigated in the research paper.

Artificial Neural Networks aim to mimic these biological systems. ANN’s consist of artificial neurons that may be used to gain an understanding of biological neural networks or for researching areas of interest in artificial intelligence. These artificial networks are especially helpful in the fact that one may study such biological systems without having to recreate the actual network. The value of this ability is apparent as one comes to understand the high complexity of such systems. One can garner a sense of this complexity in simply trying to visualize and then understand the intricacies of the billions of neurons in the human body. One project aiming at understanding biological systems using ANN’s is the Blue Brain project, headed by Dr. Henry Markram. The focus of my research paper will be on the construction of artificial neural networks via mathematically based computer models and their application to current research in areas of artificial intelligence and biological network research. Topics of interest in the paper are the neocortical column recreation of a rat and consciousness production in the Blue Brain project and Evolving ANN’s.

Artificial Neural Network Research Paper-HTML

Artificial Neural Network Research Paper-PDF

ANN PowerPoint Presentation-PDF

Further Research

Artificial Neural Network -A neural network is a powerful data modeling tool that is able to capture and represent complex input/output relationships. The motivation for the development of neural network technology stemmed from the desire to develop an artificial system that could perform “intelligent” tasks similar to those performed by the human brain.

Video on ANN’s

Neural Network Classification -Artificial neural networks are relatively crude electronic networks of “neurons” based on the neural structure of the brain.