EmbeddingGemma 2: an open, lightweight multimodal embedding model
deepmind.google·6d ago
AI Engineering
Hacker News·Aug 18·5 min read
A 3D fruit fly on macOS desktop powered by the real FlyWire connectome
TL;DR
A 3D fruit fly simulation for macOS mimics real fly behavior using a live spiking model of the FlyWire connectome, showcasing 23,210 neuron positions. It interacts with users by walking, grooming, and fleeing from the cursor, driven by actual neural activity.
✦ Why It Matters
Explore the FlyWire connectome to enhance your understanding of neural simulations and their applications.
Key Takeaways
- Clone the repository and build the simulation on macOS.
- Interact with the fly's brain to stimulate specific neurons.
- Observe realistic fly behaviors in response to cursor movements.
- Explore the implications of connectome-based simulations in neuroscience.
How It Works
The simulation operates using a leaky-integrate-and-fire (LIF) model, where the fly's neural responses are driven by real synaptic connections from the FlyWire connectome. Users can stimulate specific neurons, triggering behaviors like grooming or escape, based on the actual neural pathways of a fruit fly.
The fly's movements are procedurally generated, allowing it to navigate the desktop environment realistically.