Scientists from Blue Brain Project, a Swiss research initiative, have discovered that the human brain functions in up to 11 different dimensions, challenging traditional views that our most complex organ operates in three dimensions. They used advanced mathematical methods to uncover structures within the human brain that have up to seven dimensions, and in some cases, structures as high as 11 dimensions.
These multi-dimensional networks are formed by neurons and can be understood as high-dimensional sandcastles: at the centre, there are robust structures with many branches, while the further out you go, the more isolated, fragile branches you find. The more connected the neurons, the more dimensions are present.
The team’s findings provide a new picture of the brain’s complexity, showing that it has a multi-dimensional universe hidden within its neural networks. This new view could help to understand the formation of memories, which are believed to result from the strengthening of certain connections between neurons.
The research also offers a novel way of understanding the brain’s organisation, suggesting that the brain constantly rewires during development to build a network with as many high-dimensional structures as possible. This could explain why the brain is so resilient to damage, as losing one connection might not prevent information flow through the network.
Go to source article: https://www.wired.co.uk/article/neurons-multi-dimensional-network-brains