Figure 1: Here we have a simple neural circuit that always gravitates back to a single, stable point. By injecting current into neuron 1, we can shift the location of this stable point.
Figure 2: This circuit naturally gravitates back to one of 3 stable points. By injecting current, we can get it to switch from one stable point to another. This could explain how the same group of neurons stores multiple memories.
Figure 3: Here, inhibiting neuron 2 paradoxically increases its firing rate. When we electrically inhibit neuron 2, this disinhibits neuron 1, which in turn excites neuron 2. This example shows how confusing responses at the single neuron level can make sense at the population level.
Figure 4: This circuit naturally gravitates back to one of 2 stable points. By injecting current, we can switch it from one stable point to the other. This mechanism could explain bistable optical illusions, which switch between two opposing percepts.
Figure 5: This circuit has a continuous line of stable points. By injecting current, we can shift the firing rates along this line. Line attractors are perfect for tracking continuous variables like direction or accumulating evidence over time.
Figure 6: This circuit naturally oscillates back and forth. By electrically inhibiting neuron 1, we can kill the oscillation and inactivate both neurons. Oscillators are fundamental to generating movements and may underlie many other operations in the brain.
Figure 7: This circuit can produce two different oscillations, one fast and one slow. By injecting current, we can get it to switch from one oscillation to the other.
Figure 8: Here, neurons 1 and 2 spiral outward. At a certain threshold, neuron 3 turns on and kills the oscillation, restarting the spiral. Chaotic dynamics like this may characterize your brain as it is still learning a new task.
Figure 9: Heteroclinic orbits pass through several semi-stable points without fully coming to rest. They may generate sequences that underlie memories and decision-making.