Israeli researchers solve 50-year-old stability puzzle in networks.

Researchers from Bar-Ilan University have solved the diversity-stability paradox, a question that has plagued scientists for over five decades. The paradox asks how complex networks remain stable despite external disruptions. The researchers found that the missing piece of the puzzle is that the patterns of interaction in social, biological, and technological networks are highly non-random and heterogeneous. This heterogeneity enhances stability and explains why most networks exhibit highly resilient functionality despite enduring constant perturbations and obstructions. The findings can offer new guidelines for designing stable infrastructure networks that can protect against viable threats and strengthen the resilience of crucial ecosystems.