From stochastic resonance to brain waves

Biological neurons are good examples of a threshold device - this is why neural systems are in the focus when looking for realization of Stochastic Resonance (SR) and spatio-temporal stochastic resonance (STSR) phenomena. In this Letter a simple integrate-and fire model is used to demonstrate the possibility of STSR in a chain of neurons. The theoretical and computational models so far suggest that SR and STSR could occur in neural systems. However, how significant is the role played by these phenomena and what implications might they have on neurobiology is still a question. Because the direct biological proof of SR and STSR seems to be a tough issue one might look at indirect ways to decide whether the internal noise plays any constructive role in the nervous system. A loop of neurons is shown to have interesting features (frequency selection) which might supply a clue for answering the previous question. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.