The Spike

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The story of a neural impulse reveals the intricate workings of our brains. When we see the last cookie and think about taking it, a neural impulse travels through our brain in just 2.1 seconds. During this time, billions of neurons communicate, sending "spikes" of voltage through sensory and motor regions. These spikes enable all our actions—talking, eating, running, seeing, planning, and deciding. Mark Humphries explores the journey of a spike through a brief reaction, detailing what occurs in our brain and what we understand about spikes, as well as the mysteries that remain. Drawing on decades of neuroscience research, Humphries investigates how spikes are generated, transmitted, and how they spur action. He addresses intriguing questions: Why are most neurons silent? What triggers spontaneous spikes without external input? Why do many spikes fail to reach their intended targets? Humphries presents a new perspective on the brain, suggesting that spontaneous spikes perform essential computations that help us predict outcomes, enabling quick perceptions, decisions, and reactions vital for survival. By following a single electrical response, he sheds light on the extraordinary capabilities of our brains.