Spiking Neural Network Model of Von Economo Neurons: Connecting Computational Neuroscience to Spaceflight Cognitive Performance

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Hi everyone! I’m Esila, a 2nd year Computer Science student at UWE Bristol specialising in computational neuroscience and AI.

I’ve recently built the first computational model of Von Economo neuron (VEN) function, the Fast Lane Hypothesis. VENs are large bipolar neurons in the ACC selectively depleted in Frontotemporal Dementia and altered in autism. My model implements them as fast LIF neurons in a spiking neural network, demonstrating that VEN density modulates social decision speed rather than accuracy, with statistically significant differences between typical, autism-like, and FTD-like conditions (p<0.0001). Full code: https://github.com/esila-keskin/fast-lane-hypothesis

I want to extend this to spaceflight and I’d love to connect with the AWG community. My questions:

  • Does microgravity, radiation, or isolation affect ACC circuits where VENs operate?

  • Can OSDR behavioural data show signatures of VEN pathway degradation in astronauts?

  • Could we build a cognitive biomarker pipeline for early detection of ACC changes during long-duration missions?

I’m actively looking to collaborate, happy to bring the SNN modelling side if anyone has data or domain expertise. @BrainAWG

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