Neural Criticality
If neural criticality proves correct, it illustrates that power law distributions can emerge from systems self-organizing at boundaries between qualitatively different regimes.
Neural avalanches - waves of activation spreading across neuron networks - show power law size distributions in cortical slice preparations. The neural criticality hypothesis proposes brains operate near critical points (phase transitions) where activity spreads in cascades with power law distribution, balancing propagation and containment. However, this remains actively debated - evidence is strongest in artificial preparations, and alternative mechanisms could generate similar patterns without criticality.
Business Application of Neural Criticality
If neural criticality proves correct, it illustrates that power law distributions can emerge from systems self-organizing at boundaries between qualitatively different regimes. However, organizational applications should be drawn cautiously given ongoing scientific uncertainty.