N=200 neurons in a branching process network. Branching ratio σ = mean number of neurons activated per firing. At σ = 1 (critical), avalanche sizes follow P(s) ~ s^{-3/2} (Beggs & Plenz 2003). Sub-critical: activity dies. Super-critical: runaway.
Firing rate: 0 | Avalanche: 0 | Total avalanches: 0
Beggs & Plenz (2003): cortical slices spontaneously sit at criticality. Criticality maximizes dynamic range, information capacity, and sensitivity. σ < 1: subcritical (silent). σ = 1: critical (power law). σ > 1: supercritical (runaway/seizure).