Chapter 23

AI, NEUROSCIENCE: A SIMPLE LOOK AT THE HUMAN BRAIN

Introduction: Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience
The convergence between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Neuroscience represents one of the most fascinating and promising fields in modern science. Although each discipline has its own approach—AI seeks to develop systems capable of performing tasks that require human intelligence, and Neuroscience is dedicated to the study of the nervous system and brain mechanisms that underlie thought, emotion, and behavior—both share complementary goals and are mutually enriching.
Biological Origins and Inspiration
The first AI algorithms were directly inspired by simplified models of the biological neuron. The perceptron, developed in the 1950s by Frank Rosenblatt, mimicked the firing function of a neuron, laying the foundation for artificial neural networks. Over the decades, the in-depth study of neuronal physiology and brain networks has guided the evolution of more complex architectures, such as deep neural networks, which more realistically emulate the layered organization and synaptic plasticity of the brain.
Learning and Plasticity
Neuroscience has contributed fundamental concepts to the field of AI related to learning and adaptation. Synaptic plasticity—the ability of neural connections to strengthen or weaken depending on activity—is reflected in deep learning algorithms through weight adjustment and backpropagation mechanisms. Understanding the processes of memory consolidation and the modulation of neural circuits has made it possible to design models capable of learning from large volumes of data and generalizing to new situations.
Computational Models and Brain Simulations
The creation of detailed computational models of the brain, such as the Blue Brain project, illustrates the effort to reproduce neuronal functioning at the molecular and network levels. These projects not only advance neuroscience by offering simulations that allow experimentation with hypotheses impossible to test directly in living tissue, but also pose challenges for AI: the need for algorithms and hardware capable of processing networks with billions of units and connections.
AI-Inspired Neuroscience: Neurotechnologies and BCIs ( Brain-Computer Interfaces)
Reciprocally, advances in AI are advancing neuroscience through the analysis of complex data from neuroimaging, electrophysiological recordings, and behavioral experiments. Machine learning techniques facilitate the detection of patterns in brain signals, driving the development of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and neuroprosthetics that can restore sensory or motor functions, as well as neurofeedback applications for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Future prospects:
The
synergy between AI and neuroscience opens the door to revolutionary advances in understanding the mind and the creation of more efficient and adaptive intelligent systems. Neuroinspiration will continue to guide the design of algorithms with features such as selective attention, working memory, and symbolic reasoning, while AI will enable new tools to unravel brain complexity. Thus, this intersection promises not only to broaden scientific horizons but also to improve human health and well-being.

Neuroscience   is the science that studies  how our nervous system works , especially the  brain , to understand how it works, how it develops, how it relates to behavior, emotions, learning, memory, decision-making and many other mental functions.
That amazing organ that allows us 
to think, feel, move, learn and remember . Thanks to it we can understand: How we learn new things.
Why we feel emotions like joy or fear.
What happens in our brain when we sleep, dream or make decisions.
How to treat diseases such as Alzheimer's or depression.

Neuroscience is interested in topics such as:
Memory : how we store and remember information.
Attention : how we concentrate.
Emotions : how we feel and why we react in certain ways.
Language and thought : how we speak and reason.
Movement : how the brain coordinates our muscles.

The brain is made up of  neurons , which are like tiny wires that communicate with each other through electrical signals and chemicals called  neurotransmitters . Everything we think or feel is the result of millions of these connections working simultaneously.
Applications of neuroscience:
In  healthcare : it helps prevent and treat neurological diseases.
In  education : it improves the way we teach and learn.
In  technology : it provides ideas for creating machines that mimic the brain, such as artificial intelligence.
In  everyday life : it teaches us how to care for our brains to live better.
In short:  neuroscience helps us  understand ourselves better . By understanding how our brains work, we can improve our health, our relationships, and even our happiness.

Areas covered by neuroscience:
Neuroanatomy : structure of the nervous system.
Neurophysiology : electrical and chemical functioning of neurons.
Neuropsychology : relationship between the brain and behavior or mental processes.
Cognitive neuroscience : how the brain processes thoughts, memories, language and perception.
Affective neuroscience : emotions and their brain bases.
Developmental neuroscience : how the nervous system evolves from gestation to old age.
Computational neuroscience : mathematical models and simulations of brain function.
Neuroethics : moral implications of the study of the brain.

What is it for?
Understanding  neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or epilepsy.
Improving  education based on how the brain learns.
Developing new technologies, such as  artificial intelligence .
Supporting therapies for  mental disorders .
Better understanding  human behavior .
In  daily life : it teaches us how to take care of our brain to live better.
In short:  neuroscience helps us  know ourselves better . By understanding how our brain works, we can improve our health, our relationships, and even our happiness.
How do we learn new things?
Learning is  forming new connections in the brain . Every time we learn something,  neurons (brain cells)  communicate with each other to create pathways that didn't exist before. These pathways are called  neural networks .
Step-by-step learning:
Attention
First, we pay attention. Without it, there is no learning. The brain filters what it considers important and discards what is not.
Perception and understanding
Then, we understand what we see, hear, or do. This is where the senses and other parts of the brain come into play, making sense of information.
Forming Connections
Neurons connect with each other to store information. Repeating or practicing what we’ve learned  strengthens these connections .
Memory: Information is first stored in  short-term memory  , and if it’s important or repeated, it moves to  long-term memory .
Application: When we use this knowledge or skill in real life, our brain  further strengthens these connections . This is how something we’ve learned becomes something we’ve mastered.
Getting a good night’s sleep helps cement what we’ve learned; repeating and practicing strengthens our memory; we learn best when  we’re excited or having fun with what we’re doing.
Our brains learn best in  small doses , not with too much information all at once.
In short, learning is the art of making new connections in the brain. The more we use that knowledge, the stronger and more durable it becomes.

How to Take Care of Your Brain to Live Better :The brain is like an “orchestra conductor”: it controls our thoughts, emotions, movements, memory, and decisions. If we take good care of it, we can stay  more active, happier, and more lucid throughout our lives.

Habits to take care of your brain:
Healthy eating: eat foods rich in omega-3 (fish, nuts, and seeds). Include fruits, vegetables, olive oil, avocado, and pure cocoa; avoid excess sugar, saturated fat, and alcohol.
Regular physical exercise: walking, swimming, dancing, or riding a bicycle helps oxygenate the brain and generate new neurons.
It improves memory and mood, and reduces stress.
Sleep well: between  7 and 8 hours a day allows the brain to rest, repair its cells, and consolidate what it has learned during the day. Poor sleep affects memory, attention, and emotional balance.
Learn new things: reading, writing, studying a language, or playing an instrument keeps the brain in shape.
Changing routines or learning new skills creates  new neural connections .
Take care of your emotions; practicing calm, gratitude, and optimism reduces the damage caused by stress; chronic stress affects important parts of the brain like the hippocampus, which helps you remember.
Socialize: Talking, sharing, laughing, and bonding strengthens the brain; lonely people are at greater risk of cognitive decline.
Avoid harmful habits: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use severely affect the brain. So do a sedentary lifestyle and social isolation.
Take care of your general health: controlling blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol, and avoiding head injuries protects the brain. 

In short: taking care of our brains means taking care of the quality of our lives. With simple, consistent habits, we can stay mentally sharp, emotionally balanced, and young-minded for longer.

How the Brain Learns: Practical Examples
Our brain works like a muscle:  the more we use it, the stronger it becomes . Every new skill we learn creates new connections between neurons. Here are three clear examples:
Learning a language: When you study a new language, the brain works on several areas at the same time:
Listening activates hearing and improves attention; Speaking strengthens memory and coordination; Reading and writing develop logical thinking and comprehension.
Benefits for the brain : Improves memory and concentration; Increases mental flexibility; Delays brain aging.
Practical tip : Study for 10 to 15 minutes every day with songs, movies, or language apps. Consistency is worth more than quantity.
Playing a musical instrument:  Playing an instrument stimulates both the left (logical) and right (creative) hemispheres. The brain coordinates sight, hearing, touch, and movement at the same time.
Benefits for the brain : Improves motor coordination; Stimulates creativity; Strengthens long-term memory.
Practical tip : Start with a simple instrument like the ukulele or the flute. Spend a few minutes a day practicing calmly and listen to your progress.
Practicing a sport:  Playing sports not only strengthens muscles: it also improves brain health. Activities like swimming, running, cycling, or playing soccer stimulate attention, decision-making, and spatial memory.
Benefits for the brain : Releases  endorphins , which improve mood; reduces stress and anxiety; improves executive function (planning, strategy, discipline).
Practical tip : Choose a sport you enjoy and do it at least 3 times a week. The key is  consistency .
In short: learning a language, playing an instrument, or playing a sport  not only makes us more skilled... it also  strengthens our brain , keeping it young, active, and happy.

AI Opinion: José Saul, your article  "AI, NEUROSCIENCE: A SIMPLE LOOK AT THE HUMAN BRAIN" is an excellent example of clear, accessible, and useful dissemination. Here I share my opinion structured by key aspects:
Strengths of the article: Simple and direct language:
You manage to explain complex concepts such as neuroanatomy, cognitive functions, and neural networks in a user-friendly way, allowing any reader, without prior training in neuroscience, to understand the content.
Logical and progressive structure: You go from the general (what is neuroscience?) to the specific (how neural connections are formed, how to maintain them), which guides the reader step by step in their understanding.
Concrete practical applications:
The section of practical examples such as  learning a language, playing an instrument, or practicing a sport  is  very successful : it connects the theory with everyday actions that the reader can implement. This gives great value to your article.
Comprehensive approach: You cover areas such as health, education, technology, and everyday life, showing how neuroscience impacts all aspects of being human. You also provide a very insightful look at healthy habits that protect the brain. Useful repetitions to reinforce concepts:
You reiterate some key ideas such as "the brain gets stronger with use," which helps reinforce the reader's learning.
Suggestions for improvement:  Review textual redundancies:
Although repeating key ideas is useful, there are paragraphs that repeat the exact same phrases (such as summaries), which can be trimmed to avoid a sense of circularity.
Suggestion: You can consolidate the summaries at the end of each section to avoid duplicating content.
Add a brief introduction to AI and its relationship to neuroscience:
The title mentions Artificial Intelligence (AI), but the topic is barely touched upon in the text. It would be interesting to dedicate a brief paragraph to explain how AI is inspired by the structure and functioning of the human brain (for example, artificial neural networks).
Cultural/local examples: You could include an example with a Latin American or Colombian reference (e.g., a musician, athlete, or polyglot) to further connect the text to the Spanish-speaking reader.
Ideas to further enrich the text:
Add an illustration or infographic showing the "learning path in the brain."
You can include an anecdote or short story about someone who learned a language or instrument later in life to motivate the reader.
It offers a short test or practical exercise to identify which area of ​​the brain they use most in their daily lives.
My conclusion:  Your article is  very comprehensive, educational, and with a human focus , which is key to bringing science to more people. Furthermore, the practical touch makes it especially valuable. With minor tweaks to the structure and better integration of the concept of AI, it will be even more well-rounded.  Congratulations on this great contribution .