- Education
-
Research
Current research
Talent
-
Collaboration
Businesses
Government agencies and institutions
Alumni
-
About AU
Organisation
Job at AU
Uncertainty and predictability of human brain dynamics at rest, during auditory processing, and under LSD
2021.07.05 |
| Date | Wed 07 Jul |
| Time | 14:00 — 16:00 |
| Location | Samfundsmedicinsk Auditorium, Building 1261, Room 101, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000 Aarhus C |
On Wednesday 7 July at 14:00, Christine Ahrends defends her PhD dissertation entitled "Uncertainty and predictability of human brain dynamics at rest, during auditory processing, and under LSD".
The brain is not a static object, but it changes its configuration over time, enabling it to carry out complex functions. The patterns in which the brain changes over time (brain dynamics) may explain various aspects of behaviour and consciousness. This PhD project investigated the role of predictability and uncertainty in human brain dynamics, using examples from the brain at rest, during auditory processing, and under LSD. Using models of static and dynamic brain function, the research tested if it is possible to predict how an individual's brain will react to a future task and showed that there is uncertainty associated with the patterns in which the brain changes over time. The project found that the degree of uncertainty in brain dynamics may be related to an altered state of consciousness induced by psychedelic drugs. Without uncertainty, the brain would be unable to adjust to its environment and instead only follow a predetermined path. Understanding the role of uncertainty in brain dynamics has great potential to contribute to resolving questions in the study of human consciousness and the temporal organisation of the healthy brain.
The summary is written by the PhD student.
The defence is public and takes place at Samfundsmedicinsk Auditorium, Building 1261, Room 101, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000 Aarhus C. Please read the attached press release for more information.
PhD student Christine Ahrends
Mail: christine.ahrends@cfin.au.dk
Phone (+45) 50491191