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Stochastic Resonance in Biology How Noise Can Enhance Detection of Weak Signals and Help Improve Biological Information Processing
Author(s) -
Hänggi Peter
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
chemphyschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.016
H-Index - 140
eISSN - 1439-7641
pISSN - 1439-4235
DOI - 10.1002/1439-7641(20020315)3:3<285::aid-cphc285>3.0.co;2-a
Subject(s) - stochastic resonance , noise (video) , constructive , nonlinear system , computer science , sort , biological system , function (biology) , statistical physics , nanotechnology , physics , artificial intelligence , biology , materials science , process (computing) , quantum mechanics , evolutionary biology , image (mathematics) , information retrieval , operating system
Noise is usually thought of as the enemy of order rather than as a constructive influence. In nonlinear systems that possess some sort of threshold, random noise plays a beneficial role in enhancing the detection of weak information‐carrying signals. This phenomenon, termed stochastic resonance, does find useful applications in physical, biological, and biomedical contexts. Certain biological systems may even use this effect for optimizing function and behavior.