Navigation in brain networks is possible using only local measures

A major question in neuroscience is how the brain structure facilitates its complex functions via the synchronous activity of separate parts of the brain. Recent research has indicated that the mechanisms underlying this facilitation are based on local interactions between neurons. We investigated whether it is possible in a network structured like the human brain to facilitate communication between functionally connected parts of the brain. We observed that using a combination of local criteria to direct it, a simple greedy algorithm can achieve similar efficiency (within 80% and 90% of the shortest paths) to the propagation mechanisms proposed in the literature, without relying on global explanations.

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Publication Details

Journal
Scientific Reports
Published
2025-06-03
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-04347-z
Citations
2
Primary Topic
Neural dynamics and brain function
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
2.86

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article

Navigation in brain networks is possible using only local measures

Sergiy Shelyag, Kerri Morgan, Govinda Poudel, Alex Hocking et al.
2 citations
Scientific Reports
Neural dynamics and brain function
2.86
article

Navigation in brain networks is possible using only local measures

Sergiy Shelyag, Kerri Morgan, Govinda Poudel, Alex Hocking, Julien Ugon, H Le, Nicholas Parsons, Frank Jiang, Lena Vogelsang
article en
2 citations

Abstract

A major question in neuroscience is how the brain structure facilitates its complex functions via the synchronous activity of separate parts of the brain. Recent research has indicated that the mechanisms underlying this facilitation are based on local interactions between neurons. We investigated whether it is possible in a network structured like the human brain to facilitate communication between functionally connected parts of the brain. We observed that using a combination of local criteria to direct it, a simple greedy algorithm can achieve similar efficiency (within 80% and 90% of the shortest paths) to the propagation mechanisms proposed in the literature, without relying on global explanations.

Scientific ReportsVol. 15(1)
Deakin University (AU), Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AU), Monash University (AU), RMIT University (AU), Australian Catholic University (AU)
Australian Government, Deakin University, Swinburne University of Technology, State Government of Victoria
Openalex Percentile: Top 10%
Neural dynamics and brain function
2.86
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