Navigating the Brain: Uncovering the Secret to Efficient Communication

How does the brain efficiently transfer information between its different regions? Communication protocols in the brain connectome—the network of neural connections between brain regions—typically rely on either the physical distance between regions or the strength of their connections. However, combining both factors for optimal signal transmission has remained elusive.Our research introduces a new range of routing strategies that blend connection strength and spatial layout to enhance efficiency. By applying these strategies to brain connectomes from individual subjects and representative group models, we discovered a “sweet spot” where communication is most efficient. This optimal balance is consistent across various configuration of brain’s connections strengths and highlights how they work together with geometry to amplify communication, akin to a “stochastic resonance” counterintuitive effect where noise improves the performance of a complex system.This phenomenon may enhance the brain's ability to respond more effectively to external and internal stimuli, supporting the diversity of its functions.