On Emerging Coherence

Abstract
Large populations of similar oscillators can spontaneously get into step with each other, once their coupling exceeds a critical threshold. In his Perspective, Winfree discusses examples of such "emerging coherence," from rhythmic clapping and circadian clocks to oscillating reactions in nanodroplets suspended in oil. He highlights a recent study of emerging coherence in an electrochemical system that achieved sufficient accuracy to test the prevailing theory.