Is There Sufficient Evidence for Criticality in Cortical Systems?

Abstract Numerous studies have proposed that specific brain activity statistics provide evidence the operates at a critical point, which could implications for brain’s information processing capabilities. A recent paper reported identical scalings and criticality signatures arise in variety of different neural systems (neural cultures, cortical slices, anesthetized or awake brains, across both reptiles mammals). The diversity these states calls into question claimed role processing. We analyze methodology used to assess replicate this analysis spike trains two non-critical systems. These pass all tests aforementioned paper. This provides crucial control (which is absent from original study) suggests may not be sufficient establish system criticality. Hence whether remains an open it evident interest develop more robust methods address questions.