Energy as a constraint on the coding and processing of sensory information.
Neurons use significant amounts of energy to generate signals. Recent studies of retina and brain connect this energy usage to the ability to transmit information. The identification of energy-efficient neural circuits and codes suggests new ways of understanding the function, design and evolution of nervous systems.
Laughlin
S B
SB
Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, CB2 3EJ, Cambridge, UK. sl104@cam.ac.uk
D000818:Animals; D004594:Electrophysiology; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009424:Nervous System Physiological Phenomena; D012677:Sensation / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*