popular math

Toward blueprints for network architecture, biophysical dynamics, and signal transduction

Stephen Coombes, Brent Doiron, Kresimir Josic and Eric Shea-Brown

We review mathematical aspects of biophysical dynamics, signal transduction and network architecture that have been used to uncover functionally significant re- lations between the dynamics of single neurons and the networks they compose. We focus on examples that combine insights from these three areas to expand our understanding of systems neuroscience. These range from single neuron coding to models of decision making and electrosensory discrimination by networks and pop- ulations, as well as coincidence detection in pairs of dendrites and the dynamics of large networks of excitable dendritic spines. We conclude by describing some of the challenges that lie ahead as the applied mathematics community seeks to provide the tools that will ultimately underpin systems neuroscience.

PDF

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Current Address: Department of Mathematics, PGH Building, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204-3008
Phone: (713) 743-3500 - Fax: (713) 743-3505


Image designed by Graham Johnson, Graham Johnson Medical Media, Boulder, Colorado