Self-organized criticality as a fundamental property of neural systems

The neural criticality hypothesis states that the brain may be poised in a critical state at a boundary between different types of dynamics. Theoretical and experimental studies show that critical systems often exhibit optimal computational properties, suggesting the possibility that criticality has...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inFrontiers in systems neuroscience Vol. 8; p. 166
Main Authors Hesse, Janina, Gross, Thilo
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Switzerland Frontiers Media S.A 23.09.2014
Subjects
Brain
dynamics
Neural Network
Neuroscience
Phase Transition
self-organized criticality
dynamics
phase transition
brain
neural network
self-organized criticality
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:The neural criticality hypothesis states that the brain may be poised in a critical state at a boundary between different types of dynamics. Theoretical and experimental studies show that critical systems often exhibit optimal computational properties, suggesting the possibility that criticality has been evolutionarily selected as a useful trait for our nervous system. Evidence for criticality has been found in cell cultures, brain slices, and anesthetized animals. Yet, inconsistent results were reported for recordings in awake animals and humans, and current results point to open questions about the exact nature and mechanism of criticality, as well as its functional role. Therefore, the criticality hypothesis has remained a controversial proposition. Here, we provide an account of the mathematical and physical foundations of criticality. In the light of this conceptual framework, we then review and discuss recent experimental studies with the aim of identifying important next steps to be taken and connections to other fields that should be explored.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-1
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-2
ObjectType-Review-3
content type line 23
This article was submitted to the journal Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience.
Reviewed by: Shan Yu, National Institute of Mental Health, USA; Woodrow Shew, University of Arkansas, USA; Hongdian Yang, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA
Edited by: Dietmar Plenz, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, USA
ISSN:1662-5137
1662-5137
DOI:10.3389/fnsys.2014.00166