Energy as a constraint on the coding and processing of sensory information

S B Laughlin

doi:10.1016/s0959-4388(00)00237-3

Energy as a constraint on the coding and processing of sensory information

Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2001 Aug;11(4):475-80. doi: 10.1016/s0959-4388(00)00237-3.

Author

S B Laughlin¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, CB2 3EJ, Cambridge, UK. sl104@cam.ac.uk

PMID: 11502395
DOI: 10.1016/s0959-4388(00)00237-3

Abstract

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.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Electrophysiology
Energy Metabolism* / physiology*
Models, Neurological
Nervous System Physiological Phenomena*
Sensation / physiology*
Signal Transduction / physiology*