news flash: all networks are networks!

although my title for this post is a bit sarcastic, dante chialvo and his colleagues at northwestern university have actually come up with a neat model for brain communication. this model is based on computer, social, and biochemical network theory. just as stanley milgram found with social networks, there are very few points connecting any two parts of the brain, which this could be guessed by the brain's rapid processing abilities. as with milgram's experiment, some of these connection points then act as hubs, disseminating information to the relevant parts of the brain. unlike the gossip network, information goes only where it's beneficial, unless, i assume, there's a malfunction.

scientists have a penchant for comparing the brain's function to the most advanced form of technology available. we're getting closer to understanding the brain, but i'd wager that we're still a long ways off.

Labels: neuroscience