Cooperative dynamics in neuronal networks

There exist rich cooperative behaviors and their transitions in biological neuronal systems as some key biological factors are changed. Among all of cooperative behaviors of neuronal systems, the existing experiments have shown that the spatiotemporal pattern and synchronization dynamics are very crucial, which are closely related to normal function and dysfunction of neuronal systems. Based on different neuron models, the recent works have been made to explore the mechanisms of pattern formation and synchronization transition. This paper mainly overviews the recent studies of the cooperative dynamics including the pattern formation and synchronization transition in biological neuronal networks. Firstly, we review complicated spatiotemporal pattern dynamics of neuronal networks. Secondly, the interesting synchronization transition is reviewed. Finally, conclusion is given and we put forward some outlooks of research on the cooperative behaviors in real neuronal networks. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.