Topological relationships between brain and social networks

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Network Science
• Sociology

Background:

• Cortical networks exhibit unique structural properties regarding connected motifs.
• Understanding if other complex systems share these network architectures is an open question.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate topological similarities between brain networks and social networks.
• To determine if network-theoretical methods can reveal common organizational principles.

Main Methods:

• Application of network-theoretical methods to analyze brain and social network data.
• Comparison of the statistical relevance of specific connected structures (motifs) across different network types.

Main Results:

• Social networks exhibit distinct topologies based on relation type (e.g., friendship vs. disliking).
• Overrepresented connected structures in brain networks closely resemble those in social friendship networks.
• Balanced reciprocal connections are significantly abundant in brain networks, unlike predictions based solely on mutual connections.

Conclusions:

• Brain and social friendship networks share fundamental topological features.
• The findings suggest positive selection for balanced mutuality in network organization.
• Common underlying principles may govern the structure of diverse complex systems, including brains and social interactions.