Point-attractor

How does a cat gracefully walk and suddenly freeze when spotting a mouse? In this talk, we look at how networks in the spinal cord generate movement. In particular, we address the fundamental yet poorly understood question of motor control: How can rhythmic movements, such as walking, be generated and stopped at any point in the cycle while posture is preserved? Since conventional models of spinal motor function rely on alternation between flexor and extensor modules, which are limited to just two phases, this question exposes the essential shortcoming of the conventional understanding: How ca

The neural mechanisms behind movement have been puzzling for decades. While much focus has been on trying to explain the generation of locomotion little attention has been given to the ability to pause ongoing movement at any point while keeping posture. Here, we argue that within this ability to pause movement lies the key to understanding the generation of movement itself. The prevailing view suggests the existence of specialized modules for distinct functions. Nevertheless, recent observations, including rotational neural activity during rhythmic limb movements, challenge this perspective (