Nerd Nite Tokyo #65: Digital Biology

Every month, we gather some smart speakers and a curious crowd, add a bar, and create something unique. This month, we’re exploring the intersection of biology and computing with talks on fascinating ferns and Nobel-winning neural networks! And, as always, we will have cafe food and craft beer on tap.

First, Joel Nitta will explain why ferns are so fascinating and how he has been using methods adapted from open source software and data science to better understand their ecology and evolution. Then, Louis Kang will give us a guided tour of the neural network research that led to the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics: work that gave us insight into both biological and artificial brains and underpins today’s artificial intelligence.

Drinks (both alcoholic and non) as well as food will be available. Check out the menu here and come early; we’re opening the doors at 7 PM. Drink, meet, and be square-y! Kids are also welcome at Nerd Nite.

You can also find our event information on Facebookand Meetup; check our homepage for all of our social media and mailing lists. Help us promote Nerd Nite by signing up on our event listings and sharing our social media posts!

Speakers:

• Joel Nitta (Mastodon) (Bluesky) — Open Source Ferns

• Louis Kang (Instagram) — Memory landscapes built by brains and AI: A guided tour of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics

When: February 21 (Friday), doors open 19:00, start 20:00

Where: Ryozan Park Lounge / Cafe Port Glasgow in Sugamo (Google Maps)

Price: ¥1000 at the door; advance purchase is available from our homepage or by clicking here.

Livestream: Livestream tickets are required and are available from our homepage or by clicking here. ¥1000 suggested; free option also available!