On the transient nature of neural communication
How do neurons, populations and brain regions exchange information within large networks? Oscillatory synchronization is often proposed as flexible routing over a stable anatomical substrate. Yet most studies average over long periods or trials, revealing weak but stable links. Time-resolved analyses show a different picture: interactions are sparse, strong, short-lived and volatile. Oscillations emerge in bursts with variable timing and frequency, and dominant links reconfigure.
In this talk, I will address the question why brain communication is so unstable. Mechanistically, models of coupled oscillatory regions and whole-brain circuits show that spontaneous connectivity fluctuations are expected near critical oscillatory or rate instabilities. Variations in input or neuromodulatory tone can move the system closer to these boundaries, generating dynamic coupling and coordinated bursts without dedicated synchronization.
Functionally, we test whether volatility is useful. Simulations indicate that transient coherence supports richer transfer motifs than rigid synchrony. With interneuronal diversity and multiple frequencies, self-organized bursts can weight inputs by source and timing, producing an attention-like mechanism. Dynamic architectures may also broadcast information efficiently when strong couplings are costly.
We argue that transient connectivity is not noise, but a core feature enabling flexible and efficient neural communication.
This IFISC Seminar will be broadcasted in the following zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89027654460?pwd=Wg9TYMPqqP2ipfj2JVvEagmzaTw29c.1
Coffee and cookies will be served 15 minutes before the start of the seminar
Contact details:
Claudio Mirasso Contact form