BI 221 Ann Kennedy: Theory Beneath the Cortical Surface

Ann Kennedy, Associate Professor at the Scripps Research Institute, explores the theoretical neuroscience of subcortical brain areas and their roles in survival behaviors. The conversation challenges the cortex-centric view of neuroscience, highlighting the importance of subcortical structures like the hypothalamus in innate behaviors and motivational states. Kennedy details how these areas, rich in neuromodulators and neuropeptides, act as context signals, reshaping neural network dynamics based on internal needs like hunger or external threats. She also discusses her work on automated behavioral labeling and the Kaggle competition designed to standardize behavioral data across labs, aiming to facilitate larger, more consistent datasets for neuroscience research.