Is anarchist science possible?
As an experiment, we got together a large group of computational neuroscientists from around the world to work on a single project without top down direction. Read on to find out what happened.
The project started as a tutorial on a new technique at the @CosyneMeeting 2022. We realised that the technique was easy and cheap for anyone to use with a lot of low hanging fruit.
neural-reckoning.github.io/cos…
At the tutorial we announced a 1-2 year open research project that anyone could join, starting from the materials of the tutorial, and a few starting questions we found interesting, but with no other constraints. We were inspired by the Polymath Project in mathematics.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymath…
31 people contributed to the project, joining for monthly meetings to discuss progress. All code was publicly available throughout, and when we started writing up the work in progress was also fully public. You can see that version here: comob-project.github.io/snn-so…
Not everyone who was involved made it to the paper (didn't respond or couldn't find contact details), and not all are on Mastodon, but authors include: @marcusghosh @TomasFiers
@GabrielBena @rory
We used GitHub and Jupyter notebooks to coordinate development, with a website showing everyone's current code and results to make collaboration easier. We used @mystmarkdown and GitHub actions to automate this.
comob-project.github.io/snn-so…
So how did it work out? Well, some things went well and others not so well. We published a paper with our results and reflections on the process. If you're interested in spiking neural networks, sound localisation, or anarchist science, check it out:
eneuro.org/content/12/7/ENEURO…
Generally, the infrastructure we built worked well, as did the monthly meetings. Starting from the tutorial was a good decision because it gave everyone a common reference and meant they could easily get started.
However, the lack of direction meant that we didn't achieve very coherent results in the end. We don't think this is a catastrophic problem, but when we try again, this is something we'd like to address. If you have thoughts or would like to be involved, get in touch!
Ultimately, we didn't achieve a scientific breakthrough in this project, but we did show that without top down direction or any specific funding, we could organise a large group of scientists to work together and publish their research in a good journal. We think that's a hopeful sign for the future!
#neuroscience #computationalneuroscience #compneuro #anarchism #science
Spiking Neural Network Models of Interaural Time Difference Extraction via a Massively Collaborative Process
Neuroscientists are increasingly initiating large-scale collaborations which bring together tens to hundreds of researchers. At this scale, such projects can tackle big challenges and engage diverse participants.eNeuro
reshared this
Fashion retailers partner to offer personalized AI styling tool ‘Ella’
https://techcrunch.com/2025/09/04/fashion-retailers-partner-to-offer-personalized-ai-styling-tool-ella/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Posted into Latest TechCrunch Stories @latest-techcrunch-stories-Techcrunch
Fashion retailers partner to offer personalized AI styling tool 'Ella' | TechCrunch
Ella provides recommendations to customers across the three retailers on what to purchase or rent to make an outfit come to life.Dominic-Madori Davis (TechCrunch)
Oltre al fatto che la fisica del pallone sembra ancora pessima (come da tradizione in fm, dall'avvento del 3d), cosa mi interessa della grafica 3d migliorata (grazie ad unity) in un manageriale di calcio?!
youtube.com/watch?v=_cDQi5kwuH…
- YouTube
Profitez des vidéos et de la musique que vous aimez, mettez en ligne des contenus originaux, et partagez-les avec vos amis, vos proches et le monde entier.youtube.com
Frosia is fighting for her life. This brave little cat has both cancer and leukemia, and she urgently needs a CT biopsy and treatment to have any chance at survival. Without help, her future is painfully short.
The first step alone costs $1,200.Help us reach the goal:
donorbox.org/hope-for-frosia-a…
Let’s fight for Frosia. She can’t do it without us. 💜
#cats #cancer #mutualaid #help #CatsOfMastodon #catstodon #catsofpixelfed #canada
Sabrina Web 📎 reshared this.
AI logistics startup Augment, from Deliverr’s founder, raises massive $85M Series A
https://techcrunch.com/2025/09/04/ai-logistics-startup-augment-from-deliverrs-founder-raises-massive-85m-series-a/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Posted into Latest TechCrunch Stories @latest-techcrunch-stories-Techcrunch
AI logistics startup Augment, from Deliverr's founder, raises massive $85M Series A | TechCrunch
The new funding, which was led by Redpoint, comes just five months after the startup launched out of stealth with a $25 million seed round.Marina Temkin (TechCrunch)
Comic: "You Act Like You Don’t Want Me Around" from ROONIE THE RABBIT
RABBIT: Sometimes you act like you don't want me around. SQUIRREL: Yes, in fact, I often do not want you around. RABBIT: See, there you go! You're very convincing. I almost believe you. SQUIRREL: Please. Go away.rooniecomics.com
new private sector jobs added in the usa in august: just 54,000
adp’s chief economist saying: “the year started with strong job growth, but that momentum has been whipsawed by uncertainty.”
Labor market growth slows dramatically in August with U.S. adding just 54,000 jobs, ADP says
U.S. private-sector hiring rose less than expected in August, according to ADP.Alex Harring (CNBC)
The shopkeeper who checks his goods.
#Tokyo #Japan #35mm #Olympus #OlympusXA #KodakGold200 #streetPhotography #filmPhotography
Eredità da 12 miliardi, il futuro del gruppo Armani - Notizie - Ansa.it
https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/economia/2025/09/04/eredita-da-12-miliardi-il-futuro-del-gruppo-armani_80cb55bb-fea7-410a-963b-e74aeef87e43.html?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Pubblicato su Economia @economia-AgenziaAnsa
Eredità da 12 miliardi, il futuro del gruppo Armani - Notizie - Ansa.it
Scudo con lo statuto. La famiglia e il braccio destro Dell'Orco (ANSA)Agenzia ANSA
Economia reshared this.
Si staccano dal corteo ProPal e bloccano un binario: il blitz in stazione a Pisa, circolazione ferma per un'ora
https://www.open.online/2025/09/04/pisa-manifestazione-pro-pal-stazione/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Pubblicato su ULTIME NEWS @ultime-news-OpenGiornale
Si staccano dal corteo ProPal e bloccano un binario: il blitz in stazione a Pisa, circolazione ferma per un’ora
La situazione si è risolta senza scontri con le forze dell'ordine. Ritardi fino a due ore per alcuni convogliUgo Milano (Open)
584/730
Favorite kitchen knife
📷 Fujifilm XT-5
#fujiFilm #fuji #photography #fotografie #730Project #dailyPhoto #obxPhoto #kitchen #knife #productphotography #blackchili
Giorgio Armani e la vita privata. L'amore segreto e il lutto per Galeotti, l'ultimo legame e il rimpianto dei figli: chi sono gli eredi del suo patrimonio
https://www.open.online/2025/09/04/morto-giorgio-armani-vita-privata-figli-eredita/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Pubblicato su ULTIME NEWS @ultime-news-OpenGiornale
Giorgio Armani e la vita privata. L’amore segreto e il lutto per Galeotti, l’ultimo legame e il rimpianto dei figli: chi sono gli eredi del suo patrimonio
I rimpianti dello stilista, che appena lo scorso anno si confessava al Corriere della Sera. La vita privata riservatissima e i suoi affetti: chi prenderà in mano la sua ereditàFilippo di Biasi (Open)
VW: *verkauft eine Currywurst als originales Bauteil*
Renault: *hold my baguette*
L'abbraccio tra Dell'Utri e Galliani al funerale di Emilio Fede - Il video
https://www.open.online/2025/09/04/abbraccio-utri-galliani-funerale-emilio-fede/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Pubblicato su ULTIME NEWS @ultime-news-OpenGiornale
L'abbraccio tra Dell'Utri e Galliani al funerale di Emilio Fede - Il video
(Agenzia Vista) Milano, 04 settembre 2025 Si sono tenuti presso la Chiesa di Dio Padre a Milano 2 I funerali di Emilio Fede.Open
📸 : Canon EOS Rebel XS
⏳️ : 2015-08-27
#photography #nature #butterfly #butterflies #invertebrate #wildlife #wildlifephotography #naturephotography #naturelovers #pixelfednature #macrophotography #macro #mastophoto #fediverse #photooftheday #cangeo
Puccio Fede: Mio fratello nato con Dna da cronista, origliava dietro porta dell'ufficio di papà - Il video
https://www.open.online/2025/09/04/puccio-fede-mio-fratello-nato-dna-cronista-origliava-dietro-porta-ufficio-papa/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Pubblicato su ULTIME NEWS @ultime-news-OpenGiornale
Puccio Fede: Mio fratello nato con Dna da cronista, origliava dietro porta dell'ufficio di papà - Il video
(Agenzia Vista) Milano, 04 settembre 2025 “Lui era sempre appassionato di giornalismo per cui, quando arrestavano qualcuno, andava dietro la porta dell'ufficio di mio padre e sentiva che cosa aveva combinato questo tizio.Open
Galliani ai funerali di Emilio Fede: Fu un grande giornalista, vada ricordato per questo - Il video
https://www.open.online/2025/09/04/galliani-funerali-emilio-fede-fu-grande-giornalista-vada-ricordato-questo/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Pubblicato su ULTIME NEWS @ultime-news-OpenGiornale
Galliani ai funerali di Emilio Fede: Fu un grande giornalista, vada ricordato per questo - Il video
(Agenzia Vista) Milano, 04 settembre 2025 “Emilio fu un grande giornalista e vada ricordato per questo.” Così il dirigente sportivo Adriano Galliani a margine dei funerali di Emilio Fede, presso la Chiesa di Dio Padre a Milano 2.Open
RFK Jr., Senators Spar Over Vaccines, Health Policy in Fiery Hearing
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2025-09-04/rfk-jr-senators-spar-over-health-policy-in-hearing-video?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Posted into Profiles @profiles-bloomberg
reshared this
rag. Gustavino Bevilacqua reshared this.
Elena ``of Valhalla'' likes this.
Fortunately the DOJ and Trump don't trump the Constitution (yet). The 2A has no qualifications embedded in it. It's a right afforded to all Americans regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, is blatantly unconstitutional, and even SCOTUS would be hard-pressed to side with Trump on this one.
Because the moment you allow any qualifications or restrictions to be placed on the Bill of Rights you run the risk that someone else later on down the line could make the same claim that no Republican should be allowed to own a gun, too.
And that'll never happen.
Sveva Fede ai funerali del padre: I giornalisti ci sono stati accanto, lui ne sarebbe contento - Il video
https://www.open.online/2025/09/04/sveva-fede-funerali-padre-giornalisti-ci-sono-stati-accanto-lui-ne-sarebbe-contento/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Pubblicato su ULTIME NEWS @ultime-news-OpenGiornale
Sveva Fede ai funerali del padre: I giornalisti ci sono stati accanto, lui ne sarebbe contento - Il video
(Agenzia Vista) Milano, 04 settembre 2025 “Siamo tutti qua insieme e abbiamo ricevuto tanti bellissimi messaggi. Tutti i giornalisti, tutti i suoi colleghi sono stati accanto a noi.Open
Sensitive content
Addio a Giorgio Armani, la notizia sulle prime pagine dei quotidiani di tutto il mondo - Il video
https://www.open.online/2025/09/04/addio-giorgio-armani-notizia-prime-pagine-quotidiani-tutto-mondo/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Pubblicato su ULTIME NEWS @ultime-news-OpenGiornale
Addio a Giorgio Armani, la notizia sulle prime pagine dei quotidiani di tutto il mondo - Il video
(Agenzia Vista) Milano, 04 settembre 2025 Addio al Re della moda Giorgio Armani. Lo stilista si è spento a 91 anni. Lo ha annunciato l'azienda con un post sui social, e subito la notizia è rimbalzata sui quotidiani di tutto il mondo.Open
Sensitive content
Regionali in Puglia, domani arriva Schlein. I dubbi di Decaro sull'incontro, chi potrebbe sostituirlo per la corsa
https://www.open.online/2025/09/04/regionali-puglia-antonio-decaro-elly-schlein-incontro-altri-candidati/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Pubblicato su ULTIME NEWS @ultime-news-OpenGiornale
Regionali in Puglia, domani arriva Schlein. I dubbi di Decaro sull’incontro, chi potrebbe sostituirlo per la corsa
È salito su un aereo da Bruxelles con destinazione Puglia: "Al 90% ci sarà", ma nel Pd la tensione resta altissima.Sofia Spagnoli (Open)
Social Media Reacts To Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Bonkers Hearing
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/social-media-reaction-rfk-jr-hearing_n_68b9d2fae4b09c6f4cf6762b?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Posted into Wellness @wellness-huffingtonpost
Social Media Reacts To Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Bonkers Hearing
Anyone expecting RFK Jr.'s appearance before the Senate Finance Committee to ease fears about his handling of the country’s health care was sadly mistaken.David Moye (HuffPost)
I think John Mastodon has been writing under a pen-name.
#JohnMastodon #Mystery #Mastodon #Books #Fiction #Canada #NovaScotia
🎶 Mas eu só quero educar meus filhos
Tornar um cidadão com muita dignidade
Eu quero viver bem, quero me alimentar
Com a grana que eu ganho não dá nem pra melar 🎵
🤖 Tracking strings detected and removed!
🔗 Clean URL(s):
youtu.be/ZG_Im-DiUN8
❌ Removed parts:
?si=TmHGxaYnR-pMqsIs
Ciberataque no Pix do HSBC e da fintech Artta desviou até R$ 710 milhões
https://canaltech.com.br/seguranca/ciberataque-no-pix-do-hsbc-e-da-fintech-artta-desviou-ate-r-710-milhoes/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
Posted into Canaltech @canaltech-canaltech
marcelcosta
in reply to Dan Goodman • • •This is very interesting!!
I am interested in knowing how was the feeling with the monthly meetings. In my experience, most of the times only when there are (relatively close) recurrent meetings projects develope efficiently.
Reading the comments below, I ask myself: how was the compromise of the people? Was stable (meaning people attending to most of the meetings)?
Thanks for sharing and documenting!