Introducing the brain: human only networks (Introduction)

by David Turell , Saturday, July 02, 2022, 16:06 (875 days ago) @ David Turell

Neuron networks found in humans but not mice:

https://mindmatters.ai/2022/06/the-human-brain-has-neural-networks-not-found-in-lab-mice/

"the researchers examined human tissue removed by neurosurgeons during operations. Studying it, they discover neuron networks (connectomes) unknown in mouse brains:

"Helmstaedter and his team have discovered that human cortical networks have evolved a novel neuronal network type that is essentially absent in mice. This neuronal network relies on abundant connections between inhibitory interneurons… “This suggests to us an almost ten-fold expansion of an interneuron-to-interneuron network,” says Sahil Loomba, one of the studies’ lead authors.

"The interesting part is that this network exists mainly in order to silence other neurons:

”'Interneurons make about a fourth to a third of cortical nerve cells that behave in a very peculiar way: they are highly active, however, not to activate other neurons, rather to silence them. Just like kindergarten caretakers, or guards in the museum: their very laborious and highly energy consuming activity is to keep others peaceful, quiet,” explains Helmstaedter. “Now imagine a room full of museum guards, all mutually silencing each other. This is what the human brain has developed!”

"Researchers theorize that these networks of silencers may expand the working memory of the human brain, making it easier for us to address more complex tasks. They hope their find might help shed light on neuropsychiatric disorders. Maybe some neurons are not being silenced that should be?"

Comment: Not a surprising finding considering what we know our brain can do compared to mice. The original article source:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/06/220623140518.htm