Brain Bytes

How does the function of our brains’ memory compare to the function of a computers’ memory?

I have minimal understanding of the function of computer memory storage and access, but I just learned a -bit- through the wonderful U of you(tube). So I’ll attempt to relate the basic function which I just learned in the last hr+ (and maybe pretend I’m an expert while I’m at it:), to the potential function of the brains’ memory storage and access. Basically, computers seem to use binary code as a compact form of storing information, and then read that compacted information, using a preset code of interpreting it. It seems this could likely be a similar method of function for our brains to store and interpret information.

Computer binary code uses 2 states for each bit (bi-nary dig-it), virtually represented by a 1 or 0, but transmitted electronically, using either an electrical flow or no flow, as that 1 or 0. A set of 8 bits, called a byte, can represent 1 small portion of information, based on the combination of those 8 bits. For eg, 1 byte can represent a letter or #, based on the predetermined method of coding. Combining many of these bytes, combines many portions of info, which can represent a larger combo of info. For eg, if 1 byte represents 1 measurement of 1 pixel, 3 bytes can be interpreted as the color, tone, and brightness for that 1 pixel. 1000 sets of these bytes together as a combo, can represent 1000 pixels, which can represent 1 image. 

Relating this to the function of a brain; 1 neuron could function similar to 1 bit. 1 small set of neurons could function as 1 byte. Computer coding has been systematically developed using 8 bits for 1 byte, for consistent and easy universal use, but brains can likely use various quantities of neurons to function like 1 byte. So if 1 set of neurons functions like 1 byte, then multiple sets of brain bytes (lets call it a Bryte, because it makes you bright!) could represent multiple measurements from the senses. Vision, for eg, could take its measurements for each minimally detected portion of light from the eyes (this would be similar to 1 pixel), then use a few brytes of neurons to store compacted info, representing that 1 pixel. Many sets of brytes could then represent 1 image.

Assuming all the information that the brain needs to store and access, is all the measurements from sensory perception, each sense could save the data it records using this method of combinations of brytes. The sense of hearing could be recorded as measurements of sound waves, where instead of 1 “pixel”, it would be 1 portion of the minimal size of sound waves which the ear can measure. This would vary between individuals, and species of animals, depending on their particular development for effective use of senses. But regardless of ability to detect accurate measurements of senses, there should still be a minimally detectable portion of measurement. As long as this portion can be saved in memory, represented by 1 bryte, then larger combinations of brytes should be able to represent larger combinations of any sensory recordings. 

The actual process of accessing various brytes would likely differ from the method which a computer accesses bytes. Since our brains seem to access memories, with a method of utilizing chemicals in the function, for positive and negative reinforcement, but computers don't generally have this independant adaptability, of combining reinforcement in the process to automatically update priority for which memory info should be accessed, based on circumstances. Also, combos of brytes representing 1 memory seem to have the function of being triggered and adaptably linked to other combos of brytes. Our brains likely have much more complexity in function, considering animals ability to adapt, compared to computers. 

But the function of the information actually being stored in compact form, through combinations of smaller simple “bits”, each with only 2 variants, seems it could very well be similar. This method of storing information, and accessing that info later through memory, seems quite plausible, utilizing Brain Bytes.