Brain electromagnetic activity and lightning: potentially congruent scale-invariant quantitative properties

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Physics
• Atmospheric Science

Background:

• The axonal action potential is a fundamental electrical signal in neurons.
• Lightning represents a powerful natural electrical discharge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the space-time characteristics of axonal action potentials and lightning.
• To explore potential analogies that could deepen the understanding of neurocognitive processes.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative analysis of space-time parameters (length-velocity, temporal duration).
• Comparison of energy and current densities.
• Identification of shared chemical consequences.

Main Results:

• Axonal action potentials and lightning exhibit similar length-velocity ratios and temporal durations.
• Energy and current densities are of the same order of magnitude.
• Both phenomena can produce nitric oxide.

Conclusions:

• The remarkable parallels between action potentials and lightning suggest a shared underlying physical basis.
• Further investigation into lightning's characteristics may offer novel insights into neuronal function and neurocognition.