Forces driving neural projections in the mouse trigeminal system

Abstract

The problem-solving and learning capabilities of artificial neural networks is largely dependent on the number of neurons and the connections formed between them. The same holds true for biological neural networks. In the adult human, each of over a trillion neurons makes connections with, on average, over a thousand other cells. Admittedly, biological neural networks are much more complex than artificial neural networks. In this paper, we present a system to identify the forces involved in the wiring of this evidently highly organized yet stereotypical system using materials available locally for 3-D culture of neurons.