NeuroElectroDynamics
Encyclopedia
NeuroElectroDynamics or NED is the study of the dynamics
and interaction
of electrical charges in the brain [1]. The word neuroelectrodynamics is derived from neuro- meaning neurons, electro- electric field
and -dynamics meaning movement
.
The main idea of NED is that under the influence of electric fields, charges that interact perform computations and are capable to read, write and store information in their spatial distribution at molecular level within active neurons. The universal physical laws from classical mechanics, thermodynamics to quantum theory
can be applied to generate a consistent mathematical model
of brain computation.
The fundamental claim of NED is that temporal observables associated with neural coding
( temporal coding
, spike timing occurrence, spike-timing-dependent plasticity, interspike interval) are epiphenomena determined by the dynamics and interaction of electric charges modulated by molecular changes in neurotransmitters levels, regulatory mechanisms of gene expression from DNA to proteins synthesis.
NeuroElectroDynamics highlights a specific form of computation by interaction which is a general physical model of computation extensively present in nature.
Every recorded action potential can be characterized by a new measure, spike directivity
that describes electrical activity in a biological neuron [2]. Significant changes in spike directivity are correlated with changes in behavior [3]. Since information is carried by electric charges [4], then their dynamics and interaction characterize complex computational processes in the brain
.
Dynamics
Dynamics may refer to:-Physics and engineering:* Dynamics , the time evolution of physical processes** Aerodynamics, the study of gases in motion...
and interaction
Interaction
Interaction is a kind of action that occurs as two or more objects have an effect upon one another. The idea of a two-way effect is essential in the concept of interaction, as opposed to a one-way causal effect...
of electrical charges in the brain [1]. The word neuroelectrodynamics is derived from neuro- meaning neurons, electro- electric field
Electric field
In physics, an electric field surrounds electrically charged particles and time-varying magnetic fields. The electric field depicts the force exerted on other electrically charged objects by the electrically charged particle the field is surrounding...
and -dynamics meaning movement
Movement
-In society and the arts:* Social movement, a coordinated group action focused on a political or social issue* Political movement, a coordinated group action focused on a political issue* Art movement, a tendency or style in art followed by a group of artists...
.
The main idea of NED is that under the influence of electric fields, charges that interact perform computations and are capable to read, write and store information in their spatial distribution at molecular level within active neurons. The universal physical laws from classical mechanics, thermodynamics to quantum theory
Quantum theory
Quantum theory may mean:In science:*Quantum mechanics: a subset of quantum physics explaining the physical behaviours at atomic and sub-atomic levels*Old quantum theory under the Bohr model...
can be applied to generate a consistent mathematical model
Mathematical model
A mathematical model is a description of a system using mathematical concepts and language. The process of developing a mathematical model is termed mathematical modeling. Mathematical models are used not only in the natural sciences and engineering disciplines A mathematical model is a...
of brain computation.
The fundamental claim of NED is that temporal observables associated with neural coding
Neural coding
Neural coding is a neuroscience-related field concerned with how sensory and other information is represented in the brain by networks of neurons. The main goal of studying neural coding is to characterize the relationship between the stimulus and the individual or ensemble neuronal responses and...
( temporal coding
Temporal coding
The temporal coding is a type of neural coding which relies on precise timing of action potentials or inter-spike intervals.Combined with traditional rate coding models, temporal coding can provide additional information with the same rate....
, spike timing occurrence, spike-timing-dependent plasticity, interspike interval) are epiphenomena determined by the dynamics and interaction of electric charges modulated by molecular changes in neurotransmitters levels, regulatory mechanisms of gene expression from DNA to proteins synthesis.
NeuroElectroDynamics highlights a specific form of computation by interaction which is a general physical model of computation extensively present in nature.
History
Early work started with a fundamental electrophysiological observation. Contrary to common belief, action potentials generated by the same neuron are not alike, they display changes in electrical patterns not just temporal variability.Every recorded action potential can be characterized by a new measure, spike directivity
Spike directivity
Spike directivity is a vector that quantifies changes in transient charge density during action potential propagation.-Justification:The digital-like uniformity of action potentials is contradicted by experimental data. Many electrophysiologists have observed that the shape of recorded action...
that describes electrical activity in a biological neuron [2]. Significant changes in spike directivity are correlated with changes in behavior [3]. Since information is carried by electric charges [4], then their dynamics and interaction characterize complex computational processes in the brain
Brain
The brain is the center of the nervous system in all vertebrate and most invertebrate animals—only a few primitive invertebrates such as sponges, jellyfish, sea squirts and starfishes do not have one. It is located in the head, usually close to primary sensory apparatus such as vision, hearing,...
.
See also
- BrainBrainThe brain is the center of the nervous system in all vertebrate and most invertebrate animals—only a few primitive invertebrates such as sponges, jellyfish, sea squirts and starfishes do not have one. It is located in the head, usually close to primary sensory apparatus such as vision, hearing,...
- NeuronNeuronA neuron is an electrically excitable cell that processes and transmits information by electrical and chemical signaling. Chemical signaling occurs via synapses, specialized connections with other cells. Neurons connect to each other to form networks. Neurons are the core components of the nervous...
- action potentialAction potentialIn physiology, an action potential is a short-lasting event in which the electrical membrane potential of a cell rapidly rises and falls, following a consistent trajectory. Action potentials occur in several types of animal cells, called excitable cells, which include neurons, muscle cells, and...
- Neural codingNeural codingNeural coding is a neuroscience-related field concerned with how sensory and other information is represented in the brain by networks of neurons. The main goal of studying neural coding is to characterize the relationship between the stimulus and the individual or ensemble neuronal responses and...