Neuroscientists have vastly underestimated brain cells’ computing power | Scientific American

A new study shows that each neuron can do multiple computations at once thanks to hundreds of sprawling branches

August 13, 2026 3 min read Add Us On GoogleAdd SciAm A new study shows that each neuron can do multiple computations at once thanks to hundreds of sprawling branches By Ajdina Halilovic edited by Allison Parshall Neurons have hundreds of treelike branches that receive signals from neighboring cells. fatido/Getty Images One of the central mysteries of the brain is how it achieves so much with so little. At any given moment, it processes an entire world of input, pilots a body and generates conscious experience—all with relatively modest energy demands. Traditionally, the brain’s 86…

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