Neural Networks: The Foundation of Every Modern AI Breakthrough

Curious about how neural networks actually work?

Assistant Professor Raian Vargas Maretto gives a thorough, beginner-friendly explanation — from the very first ideas in the 1940s to the deep learning boom of the 2010s.

Using a simple example of deciding whether to play outside, he breaks down how artificial neurons take inputs, assign importance (weights), add bias, and make a decision. Then he shows how combining millions of these neurons creates the powerful AI systems we know today.

This is more than a quick overview — it’s a step-by-step breakdown that makes neural networks clear, logical, and easy to understand. And best of all, you’ll see how they form the foundation behind the complex machine learning models that are talked about so often in science.

Once you've watched this, check out our next video with Dr. Maretto, where he explains how AI could help us save the Amazon rainforest.