Brain Inspired Computing by Stephen Lynch (Manchester Metropolitan University)
Annual Sixth Form Lecture
Abstract
The average human brain consists of about 100 billion neurons connected by around a thousand trillion synapses – it is the most powerful computer known and yet only consumes about 25 Watts of power. It has been estimated that a transistor-based supercomputer running for 48 hours from a 20-Megawatt power station would have an energy bill of over £100,000. Two mathematicians from Manchester Metropolitan University have invented a way to perform conventional computing using brain dynamics. The invention has potential applications in two scientific fields. In Computing, it could lead to the building of the world’s most powerful supercomputer. In Biology, it could provide an assay (test circuit) for cell degradation to help with drug testing for neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s Disease and Epilepsy. Stephen will be disclosing some recent exciting developments.
About the Speaker
Stephen Lynch is a Reader in the Department of Computing and Mathematics at Manchester Metropolitan University, a Fellow of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (FIMA), a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) and Chair of the North West Branch of the IMA. He has been programming in his teaching and research for over 30 years and has published books on Python, Maple, MATLAB and Mathematica. He has recently started running virtual one-day Python workshops for teachers and pupils of A-Level Mathematics in the UK.
This talk will be given remotely, via Zoom. If you wish to register for attendance at this North West branch talk, please contact Gemma Reeves who will provide the required details.
Open to all and especially sixth form mathematics students. No charge is made to attend meetings. Non-IMA members are welcome.
