Isn't this old news? The reason is vaguely similar to the DNA modification that happens in the immune system: recognition of self. In this case, the goal is to

Isn't this old news? The reason is vaguely similar to the DNA modification that happens in the immune system: recognition of self. In this case, the goal is to avoid loopback connections. Nerve cells that touch themselves are bad. By DNA modification, the cells get different surface protein and are thus able to avoid connecting to themselves.