Less is more: Wiring-economical modular networks support self-sustained firing-economical neural avalanches for efficient processing

Brain network is remarkably cost-efficient while the fundamental physical and dynamical mechanisms underlying its economical optimization in network structure and activity are not clear. Here we study intricate cost-efficient interplay between structure and dynamics in biologically plausible spatial modular neuronal network models. We find that critical avalanche states from excitation-inhibition balance, under modular network topology with less wiring cost, can also achieve less costs in firing, but with strongly enhanced response sensitivity to stimuli. We derived mean-field equations that govern the macroscopic network dynamics through a novel approximate theory. The mechanism of low firing cost and stronger response in the form of critical avalanche is explained as a proximity to a Hopf bifurcation of the modules when increasing their connection density. Our work reveals the generic mechanism underlying the cost-efficient modular organization and critical dynamics widely observed in neural systems, providing insights to brain-inspired efficient computational designs.