What can topology tell us about the neural code?

Neuroscience is undergoing a period of rapid experimental progress and expansion. New mathematical tools, previously unknown in the neuroscience community, are now being used to tackle fundamental questions and analyze emerging data sets. Consistent with this trend, the last decade has seen an uptick in the use of topological ideas and methods in neuroscience. In this talk I will survey recent applications of topology in neuroscience, and explain why topology is an especially natural tool for understanding neural codes. Note: This is a write-up of my talk for the Current Events Bulletin, held at the 2016 Joint Math Meetings in Seattle, WA.