(A)symmetry and Complexity in Neural Systems

Abstract:  In brains, symmetry, asymmetry, and complexity are brought together; and affect both structure and function. Symmetric structures, thanks to their redundancy, might aid in computing with faulty parts and under noisy conditions. Mirror symmetric counterparts in the brain might also act as backups when a circuit fails. This redundancy, however, might be costly in metabolic terms. It might also require the coordination of parallel, independent computations, which can take a toll as well. In this talk we discuss complexity, symmetry, and symmetry breaking in the brain, and their implications for brain reorganization after traumatic injuries such as stroke or hemispherectomy.