Fireflies, heart cells, clocks and power grids all do it – they can spontaneously sync up, sending signals out in unison. For centuries scientists have been exploring how this works as well what happens when these once identical elements fall out of sync. New research shows a simple network can fall out of sync – vital for understanding everything from power grids to neurons connecting in the brain.Dr Airlie Chapman, who was involved in the research spoke to the program.