Neural Dynamics of Memory, Navigation, and Threat Detection: Implications for AI & Brain-Inspired Learning Systems

Join us for a talk by Nanthia Suthana, Associate Professor of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, Psychology, Neurosurgery, and Bioengineering at UCLA. This talk is part of the Kempner Seminar Series, a research-level seminar series on recent advances in the field.

This talk explores fundamental neural mechanisms involved in memory formation, spatial navigation, and threat detection, using a unique approach of neural recordings from patients with neural implants who are able to move freely in real-world environments. I will first discuss our research on the human hippocampus and medial temporal lobe, emphasizing how neural activity is dynamically modulated by factors such as movement, spatial boundaries, and social context. These findings provide insights into the flexible, real-time learning and memory processes in the brain, which could inform the development of AI systems that adapt to complex, dynamic environments. The second part of the talk will focus on threat detection systems in the amygdala, particularly in individuals with PTSD, and how understanding the neural basis of maladaptive responses can guide the development of new therapeutic strategies. These insights also have the potential to inspire AI systems that better model emotional learning and adaptive behavior. Drawing on these findings, I will explore how real-time, naturalistic recordings from freely-moving patients can advance both our understanding of brain function and the development of more robust, adaptive AI models, as well as improve therapeutic approaches for trauma-related disorders.