Minisymposium (ID: SS-TMN)

Topics In Mathematical Neuroscience

Lydia Bilinsky (Duke University), Priscilla Greenwood (Duke University)

We propose a minisymposium consisting of two sessions: the first will deal with single-neuron models and the second with models of networks of neurons. Traditionally, it has been assumed that spikes (action potentials) alone are used by neurons to encode and transmit information but evidence is growing that "fluctuations," subthreshold sinusoidal oscillations in membrane potential, also play a role. We shall give attention to both spikes and fluctuations in both sessions. The mathematics involved has parallel applications to such topics as predator-prey interactions and disease spread; hence the talks will be of interest to those working outside the area of neural modeling.