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Networking opportunity

Nature volume 427, pages 601–604 (2004)Cite this article

A neglected mathematical theory is enjoying new popularity, thanks to its relevance to network dynamics in biological systems. The beating of a leech's heart is just one example that has a mathematical basis in ‘groupoid theory’.

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Figure 1: The heart of the leech Hirudo medicinalis: a, the physiology and b, the observed patterns of neural activity.

A. & H.-F. MICHLER/SPL

Figure 2
Figure 3: Describing a network.
Figure 4: A square lattice, with nearest-neighbour coupling between nodes.

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  1. Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK

    Ian Stewart

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Stewart, I. Networking opportunity. Nature 427, 601–604 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/427601a

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