Minimization of the energy flow in the synchronization of nonidentical chaotic systems.

We argue that maintaining a synchronized regime between different chaotic systems requires a net flow of energy between the guided system and an external energy source. This energy flow can be spontaneously reduced if the systems are flexible enough as to structurally approach each other through an adequate adaptive change in their parameter values. We infer that this reduction of energy can play a role in the synchronization of bursting neurons and other natural oscillators.