Scientists have identified hidden neural connections in the human brain for the first time

Scientists from Tokyo University of Science have presented a new method that allows direct identification of causal relationships between neurons based on their electrical activity. The research results are published in the journal Physical Review E (PRE).

The brain consists of billions of neurons that exchange short electrical impulses - "spikes." Due to the chaotic nature of these signals, it is extremely difficult to determine which neuron actually influences another, and where spikes occur randomly.

A group led by Kazuya Sawada proposed modifying the convergent cross-mapping (CCM) method, previously used for analyzing complex systems. The scientists focused on the intervals between impulses rather than the flashes themselves, which allowed them to transform chaotic events into sequences convenient for analysis. Additionally, a method was created to align time series of different neurons for their correct comparison.

Testing on mathematical models showed that the method can accurately determine the direction of connections between neurons even in the presence of noise that mimics biological unpredictability.

According to Sawada, the new technique will help not only to more accurately map connections in the brain but also to better understand the mechanisms of its disorders - from epilepsy to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. In the future, this could open the way to new methods of diagnosis and therapy.

The scientists note that so far the method has only been tested on small networks of two to three neurons. The researchers' next task is to scale it to more complex systems that approximate real brain circuits.