Unveiling the Secrets of Neural Critical States: Brain Avalanches Explored

New research using DishBrain, a collection of 800,000 human neural cells learning to play Pong, provides strong evidence in support of the critical brain hypothesis. The study shows that when neurons receive task-related sensory input, they enter a near-critical state, where tiny inputs can trigger "avalanches" of brain activity. This state is crucial for complex behaviors and task performance. However, criticality alone is not enough for learning; a feedback loop providing information about the consequences of actions is also necessary. The research has implications for understanding brain diseases, developing brain-computer interfaces, and exploring real brain function.