Mechanical thoughts and applications in cognitive neuroscience

This review article systematically summarizes the neural energy theory and methods proposed by our team in the field of brain science, and the internal relationship between mechanics and neural energy theory. This paper introduces how to construct an equivalent W-Z neuron model with the H-H model using the idea of analytic dynamics. Based on this, a large-scale neural model with neural energy as the core and a theoretical framework of global neural coding are proposed in the field of neuroscience. The unique functions and advantages of this novel neuron model are confirmed in the aspects of information processing, including visual perception, brain intelligence exploration, prediction of new working mechanisms of neurons and explanation of experimental phenomena challenging to explain in neuroscience. Because plasticity is the core of cognitive neuroscience and intelligent behavior, through the classical mechanical analysis of protein molecular machines, it is further clarified that the plasticity and neurodevelopment of neurons are not only biochemical reaction processes but also the role and contribution of mechanics are indispensable and important factors. It shows that the research thought of mechanics science in neuroscience and life science and its profound influence on internal logic. These studies will promote the integration of experimental neuroscience and theoretical neuroscience in the future, abandon the shortcomings in the research methods of reductionism and holism in the field of neuroscience, and integrate their respective advantages effectively. It is extremely important to promote the penetration of theories and methods of mechanical science. © 2020 Advances in Mechanics.