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Craving for the future: the brain as a nutritional prediction system
Samuel J Walker1, Dennis Goldschmidt1, Carlos Ribeiro1
1Behavior and Metabolism Laboratory, Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon 1400-038, Portugal.
Current Opinion in Insect Science
|November 14, 2017
Summary
The brain uses predictive coding, not just reactive feedback, to maintain nutrient homeostasis. This framework integrates predictive signals with negative feedback for better regulation in animals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Computational Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Predictive coding explains brain information processing via environmental statistical regularities.
- Nutrient homeostasis is typically viewed through negative feedback control mechanisms.
- Existing models often overlook anticipatory regulatory strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose predictive coding as a framework for understanding nutrient homeostasis.
- To highlight the limitations of purely reactive negative feedback control.
- To explore the role of feed-forward mechanisms in nutrient regulation.
Main Methods:
- Control theory principles applied to analyze feedback and feed-forward systems.
- Review of existing literature on nutrient homeostasis in insects and mammals.
- Conceptual integration of predictive coding with homeostatic control mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Negative feedback alone is insufficient for optimal homeostatic control.
- Feed-forward, anticipatory mechanisms are prevalent in nutrient regulation.
- The brain utilizes both predictive signals and negative feedback for homeostasis.
Conclusions:
- Predictive coding offers a more comprehensive model for nutrient homeostasis.
- Integrating predictive mechanisms enhances the brain's regulatory capabilities.
- This framework advances our understanding of physiological regulation beyond reactive control.
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