Mice and Machine Learning Help Map the Mind

DURHAM, N.C., March 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Mice brains and machine learning may lead to a new way to treat depression, according to a new paper published in the journal Cell and co-authored by Infinia ML Chief Scientist Larry Carin, Ph.D.

The paper describes how scientists measured electrical signals in the brains of both observably resilient, active mice and observably depressed, inactive mice. The complexity and scale of the available data, gathered from 18 regions of the brain, then required advanced machine learning for analysis. In effect, scientists trained a learning algorithm to map each brain's connections. They found a pattern in the resilient mice that differed from the depressed.

"We wanted to understand the traffic flow of a healthy brain," said Carin, the project's machine learning lead. "That had not been done before, and machine learning helped us overcome that key technical challenge."

This new understanding of the brain's electrical system brings new potential for treatment in mice. More importantly, the research lays groundwork for future advances in human mental health. When scientists measure the relevant patterns in human brains, advanced machine learning could help them assess and treat depression.

Meanwhile, Carin's company, Infinia ML, is already busy applying machine learning techniques to biological and medical breakthroughs from cancer detection to genetic screening.

"Machine learning offers new ways for us to understand our bodies and minds," said Carin. "And the best part is, we're just getting started."

About Infinia ML

Infinia ML empowers companies to make smarter decisions and automate complex business processes by leveraging the latest breakthroughs in machine learning. Infinia ML has a team of leading AI researchers and deep learning experts that have published hundreds of peer-reviewed papers through top machine learning conferences and journals.

Backed by noted private equity firm Carrick Capital Partners, the Durham, North Carolina company is led by CEO Robbie Allen, an experienced AI entrepreneur, and Chief Scientist Lawrence Carin, Ph.D., the Duke University Vice Provost for Research and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Learn more online at InfiniaML.com.

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SOURCE Infinia ML