Small-world Neural Networks in The Brain
Both anatomical connections in the brain and the synchronization networks of cortical neurons exhibit small-world topology.
A small-world network of neurons can exhibit short-term memory. A computer model developed by Solla et al. had two stable states, a property (called bistability) thought to be important in memory storage. An activating pulse generated self-sustaining loops of communication activity among the neurons. A second pulse ended this activity. The pulses switched the system between stable states: flow (recording a "memory"), and stasis (holding it).
On a more general level, many large-scale neural networks in the brain, such as the visual system and brain stem, exhibit small-world properties.
Read more about this topic: Small-world Network
Famous quotes containing the words networks and/or brain:
“The community and family networks which helped sustain earlier generations have become scarcer for growing numbers of young parents. Those who lack links to these traditional sources of support are hard-pressed to find other resources, given the emphasis in our society on providing treatment services, rather than preventive services and support for health maintenance and well-being.”
—Bernice Weissbourd (20th century)
“I think “taste” is a social concept and not an artistic one. I’m willing to show good taste, if I can, in somebody else’s living room, but our reading life is too short for a writer to be in any way polite. Since his words enter into another’s brain in silence and intimacy, he should be as honest and explicit as we are with ourselves.”
—John Updike (b. 1932)