Two Brains - One Thought

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Different neuronal networks can bear the same pattern of activity - as shown in this example of a network made of 16 neurons. Similarly the exact neuronal structures of the circuits in a human brain can differ from person to person yet at the same ti ...
Different neuronal networks can bear the same pattern of activity - as shown in this example of a network made of 16 neurons. Similarly, the exact neuronal structures of the circuits in a human brain can differ from person to person, yet at the same time can display a comparable dynamics and the same functions. With the help of theoretical models, Memmesheimer and Timme can now deduce the possible structures from the neuronal dynamics. Image: Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization
Although no two brains are alike, they can display a comparable pattern of neural activity when exposed to similar sensory input. Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization in Göttingen have now developed a mathematical method to design networks from neural cells which exhibit a predefined pattern dynamics. The researchers hope that their method will assist them in getting closer to understanding which of the possible network configurations was privileged by evolution - and why (Physica D: Nonlinear Phenomena, December, 2006).


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