Artificial Intelligence: Deepmind Unlocks Secrets of Human Brain Using AI Learning Technique

An artificial intelligence learning technique has been used to make a breakthrough in understanding several previously unexplained features of the human brain. Researchers at Google-owned DeepMind discovered that a recent development in computer science regarding reinforcement learning could be applied to how the brain’s dopamine system works. The research, published in the scientific journal Nature, has implications for better understanding mental health, as well as for learning and motivation disorders. It found evidence that something referred to as "distributional reinforcement learning" used in AI algorithms actually mimics the dopamine reward system within the brain. The technique allows the brain to use distribute the probability of future rewards rather than focussing on actions that result in immediate rewards. DeepMind has previously taken inspiration from biology to create neural networks capable of mastering Atari computer games to a superhuman level.