Summary: Scientists can track the activity of hundreds — sometimes even thousands — of neurons in the brain of awake animals. But how many cells do they need to monitor to truly understand how the brain functions?
Scientists can routinely track the activity of hundreds — sometimes even thousands — of neurons in the brain of awake animals. But how many cells do they need to monitor to truly understand how the brain functions? That question has become a hot topic among researchers doing large-scale neural recordings. The answer could shape the future of the field, influencing how scientists design experiments and new technologies.