The non linear dynamics of retinal waves

TL;DR

This paper models the complex dynamics of retinal waves using a biophysics-based dynamical system and bifurcation theory, revealing how nonlinear interactions lead to wave initiation, propagation, and cessation.

Contribution

It introduces a novel nonlinear transport equation to describe wave propagation and uncovers the role of bifurcation structures in retinal wave dynamics.

Findings

Identification of bifurcation structures governing wave behavior

Discovery of a recurrent dynamics region in parameter space

Development of a nonlinear transport model for wave interactions

Abstract

We investigate the dynamics of stage II retinal waves via a dynamical system, grounded on biophysics, and analysed with bifurcation theory. We show how the nonlinear cells coupling and bifurcation structure explain how waves start, propagate, interact and stop. Especially, we analyse how the existence of a small region in parameter space, where dynamics returns in a recurrent way, gives rise to a very rich dynamics. In this context, we propose a non linear transport equation characterizing the waves propagation and interaction.