Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have found that decision-making starts in early sensory regions of the brain rather than only in higher areas. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, challenges traditional models of brain function. It also suggests ways to improve artificial intelligence systems.
The research was led by electrical and computer engineering professor Yurii Vlasov. Scientists recorded neural activity in mice navigating a virtual reality corridor while making perceptual decisions. They detected decision-related activity in the primary somatosensory cortex, an early sensory processing area.
The findings indicate that higher brain regions influence early sensory areas through rapid feedback loops. This dynamic process replaces the older view of information flowing in one direction through a strict hierarchy.
Vlasov said the team wants to learn from a billion years of evolution to make AI more effective and less power-hungry. The study does not offer a direct blueprint for new AI but provides insights into brain architecture.
Next steps include examining the timing of brain signals and developing tools to measure neural activity in greater detail.
