Critical dynamics arise during structured information presentation within embodied in vitro neuronal networks

Cortical neurons grown in a dish and trained to play a simplified version of the video game Pong exhibit near-critical dynamics when they receive structured sensory input related to the task. Better game performance correlates with how close the network is to a critical state. However, criticality alone does not enable learning without feedback about the consequences of previous actions. The authors propose that neural criticality emerges as a basic feature of processing structured information, not requiring higher-order cognition.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Understanding how brains process information is an incredibly difficult task. Amongst the metrics characterising information processing in the brain, observations of dynamic near-critical states have generated significant interest. However, theoretical and experimental limitations associated with human and animal models have precluded a definite answer about when and why neural criticality arises with links from attention, to cognition, and even to consciousness. To explore this topic, we used an in vitro neural network of cortical neurons that was trained to play a simplified game of ‘Pong’ to demonstrate Synthetic Biological Intelligence (SBI). We demonstrate that critical dynamics emerge when neural networks receive task-related structured sensory input, reorganizing the system to a near-critical state. Additionally, better task performance correlated with proximity to critical dynamics. However, criticality alone is insufficient for a neuronal network to demonstrate learning in the absence of additional information regarding the consequences of previous actions. These findings offer compelling support that neural criticality arises as a base feature of incoming structured information processing without the need for higher order cognition.