One of my new favourite TV shows is BBC4’s It’s Only A Theory, where experts chat about their (often surprising) theories. Presenters Andy Hamilton and Reginald D Hunter, along with a weekly guest, review the theory with a good mix of comedy and honest discussion. It’s a bit like Dave Gorman’s Genius, but with genuine theories, and a bit less silliness. Watching it last night got me thinking about a theory I’d take to the panel (if I were an expert in something – which I’m not)…

The Brain is Not a Computer

I actually think the brain is a computer, if you define “computer” quite broadly as an information processing machine. And if you define “information”, “processing” and “machine” quite broadly too. What I’m actually saying it that the metaphor of the brain being like a desktop computer isn’t a very good one. (more…)

I’ve got a theory about gravity, not just a theory, an explanation for how gravity works. I can tell you, dear reader, exactly why bodies of mass are drawn together. My theory is clear, simple and above all correct. I know this because I have proven it. The proof is all around, as clear as sky. Allow me to explain… (more…)

Ever wondered what a concrete cast of an ants nest would look like?

I love ants, and bees, and social insects in general. The emergent power of the collective is facinating.

I’m reading Steven Johnson’s Emergence again at the moment, cracking book.

These incredible images have been captured by a brain acanning technique called DTI (Diffusion Tensor Imaging). Essentially DTI uses an MRI scan to track the flow of water in nerve cells, these images here show the white matter connecting the grey matter in a schitzophrenic’s brain.

Link to Paper

Also, the paper is hosted on Scribd, a site which allows free access academic papers. I’m going to have to check this one out…

I like Paper Craft. I like Psychology. If only there was some way of combining the two…
Wait! What’s this!

Martin Pyka has produced this awesome model of the brain, with all the different regions labeled up. His site’s written in German, but the model itself is printed with the English (and Latin) names for the brain regions.

I think I’ll be adding this one to the collection tonight.