Indiana Biocomplexity Symposium

April 22 - 23, 2003

Sponsored by the Notre Dame Center for the Study of Biocomplexity
http://www.nd.edu/~icsb/

On Tuesday, April 22, the Symposium will include several morning and afternoon talks by faculty, a luncheon, an afternoon poster session with awards for the best undergrad and grad student posters. A Biocomplexity Lecture will be given by G. Bard Ermentrout (4-5pm) on Wednesday, April 23.

We are asking for estimates from faculty of number of student posters and talks and number of lunch attendees, so that we can plan space and food appropriately. If you are interested in participating please respond to Mark Alber at malber@nd.edu.

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Wednesday, April 23, 2003

Biocomplexity Lecture

Prof. G. Bard Ermentrout
Department of Mathematics
University of Pittsburgh

At: 4:00 PM
In: DeBartolo Hall 138

Flash and Turn: Self-organization by Insects

Abstract:
In this talk, I describe several examples of self-organization in groups of insects. I draw some analogies between the organization and recent theories about the collective behavior of neurons. The first example I consider is that of the synchronous flashing of southeast asian fireflies. I show that the mechanism by which the timing is altered is similar (at least mathematically) to that used in certain types of neuronal plasticity. I next show that organization of ant mills is very similar to the bursting oscillations seen in recurrent networks of neurons with slow negative feedback. Finally, I show that ants can learn to take the shortest leg in a maze by using an positive reinforcement cue analogous to the mechanisms that synapses between neurons are reinforced (Hebb's rule.)