It seems precarious to have a brain that operates on the edge of chaos, one that vacillates randomly between states of quiescence and an avalanche of neural activity. Yet, according to a review of recent studies in the New Scientist, hovering near disorder is actually essential to the brain’s capacity to process information and react to an ever-changing environment, and has even been linked to memory and intelligence. This vital balance makes me wonder what happens if we stray too far towards stability or chaos? Are we also hovering precariously near mental instability? They say it’s a fine line between genius and madness, acknowledges neuroscientist David Liley. Maybe we’re finally beginning to understand the wisdom of this statement.
The Brain at the Edge of Chaos
It seems precarious to have a brain that operates on the edge of chaos, one that vacillates randomly between states of quiescence and an avalanche of neural activity. Yet, according to a review of recent studies in the New Scientist, hovering near disorder is actually essential to the brain’s capacity to process information and react to an ever-changing environment, and has even been linked to memory and intelligence. This vital balance makes me wonder what happens if we stray too far towards stability or chaos? Are we also hovering precariously near mental instability? acknowledges neuroscientist David Liley.