Stochastic Resonance in Biology How Noise Can Enhance Detection of Weak Signals and Help Improve Biological Information Processing

Noise is usually thought of as the enemy of order rather than as a constructive influence. In nonlinear systems that possess some sort of threshold, random noise plays a beneficial role in enhancing the detection of weak information‐carrying signals. This phenomenon, termed stochastic resonance, does find useful applications in physical, biological, and biomedical contexts. Certain biological systems may even use this effect for optimizing function and behavior. Life's necessities: Food, water, shelter, …︁ noise. Amplification of weak biological signals over a threshold limit is achieved with the use of random fluctuations in the background signals: The paddlefish (shown) relies on electrical signals, amplified with stochastic resonance, to hunt edible plankton. This synergistic amplification mechanism, known to be vital for biological systems for only a decade, is discussed and examples of its use in the lives of crayfish, crickets, and computer users are provided.