The physics of living neural networks

Improvements in technique in conjunction with an evolution of the theoretical and conceptual approach to neuronal networks provide a new perspective on living neurons in culture. Organization and connectivity are being measured quantitatively along with other physical quantities such as information,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physics reports 2007-09, Vol.449 (1), p.54-76
Main Authors: Eckmann, Jean-Pierre, Feinerman, Ofer, Gruendlinger, Leor, Moses, Elisha, Soriano, Jordi, Tlusty, Tsvi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Complex systems
Exact sciences and technology
Neural connectivity
Neural networks
Neuroscience
Percolation
Physics
Transport of information
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Summary:Improvements in technique in conjunction with an evolution of the theoretical and conceptual approach to neuronal networks provide a new perspective on living neurons in culture. Organization and connectivity are being measured quantitatively along with other physical quantities such as information, and are being related to function. In this review we first discuss some of these advances, which enable elucidation of structural aspects. We then discuss two recent experimental models that yield some conceptual simplicity. A one-dimensional network enables precise quantitative comparison to analytic models, for example of propagation and information transport. A two-dimensional percolating network gives quantitative information on connectivity of cultured neurons. The physical quantities that emerge as essential characteristics of the network in vitro are propagation speeds, synaptic transmission, information creation and capacity. Potential application to neuronal devices is discussed.
ISSN:0370-1573
1873-6270
DOI:10.1016/j.physrep.2007.02.014