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Cortex

'''Cortex''' (Latin for "bark", "rind", or "crust") is a term with multiple meanings in biology, technology, entertainment, and other fields. In biology, it most commonly refers to the outer layer of an organ, such as the cerebral cortex of the brain. In technology, it denotes processor lines like the ARM Cortex family. It also appears in video games, films, and geological contexts. For detailed uses, see the sections below.

Biological Meanings

Cerebral Cortex

The neocortex, which forms the majority of the cerebral cortex in vertebrates and is characterized by a six-layered structure, is the outermost layer of the cerebrum, forming a convoluted sheet of neural tissue that covers the brain's surface. It constitutes over 90% of the human cerebral cortex's surface area, which unfolds to approximately 2,500 cm². This layer is essential for higher cognitive functions, including perception, language, memory, and decision-making, distinguishing it from deeper brain structures involved in basic reflexes.^[1]^[2] Histologically, the cerebral cortex is organized into six distinct layers, numbered from the outermost to the innermost: the molecular layer (Layer I), external granular layer (Layer II), external pyramidal layer (Layer III), internal granular layer (Layer IV), internal pyramidal layer (Layer V), and multiform layer (Layer VI). These layers contain specialized neuron types, such as pyramidal cells, which are excitatory and form the majority of output neurons with apical dendrites extending toward the surface, and stellate cells, which are inhibitory or excitatory interneurons primarily found in Layer IV for relaying sensory inputs. Layer V includes large pyramidal neurons known as Betz cells in the motor regions, which project long axons to the spinal cord for muscle control. This laminar organization enables hierarchical processing, where sensory information ascends from lower to higher layers for integration.^[3]^[4] Functionally, the cerebral cortex is divided into primary sensory and motor areas, as well as association areas for complex integration. The primary motor cortex, located in the precentral gyrus of the frontal lobe (Brodmann Area 4), initiates voluntary movements through projections from Betz cells to the brainstem and spinal cord. Adjacent to it, the primary somatosensory cortex in the postcentral gyrus (Brodmann Areas 3, 1, 2) of the parietal lobe processes tactile sensations, pain, temperature, and proprioception via thalamocortical inputs. The primary visual cortex (V1, Brodmann Area 17) in the occipital lobe detects basic features like edges and motion from retinal signals relayed through the lateral geniculate nucleus. The primary auditory cortex in the superior temporal gyrus (Brodmann Areas 41 and 42) analyzes sound frequencies and patterns. Association areas, such as the prefrontal cortex (Brodmann Areas 9, 10, 46), integrate these inputs for executive functions like planning, attention, and social behavior.^[5]^[6] Evolutionarily, the cerebral cortex expanded significantly in mammals, particularly primates, correlating with increased intelligence and behavioral complexity; the neocortex, with its uniform six layers, evolved from simpler reptilian pallium structures, while the allocortex (e.g., in the hippocampus) retains fewer layers for olfactory and memory roles. In humans and other primates, this expansion involved greater cortical folding (gyrification) to accommodate larger surface areas within the skull, enhancing computational capacity for abstract thinking.^[7]^[1] Disorders affecting the cerebral cortex often disrupt its layered architecture and connectivity, leading to profound cognitive impairments. In Alzheimer's disease, beta-amyloid plaques accumulate primarily in the superficial layers, causing neuronal loss and synaptic dysfunction that impair memory and executive function. Epilepsy frequently involves focal seizures originating in the cerebral cortex, where hyperexcitable networks in areas like the temporal lobe generate abnormal electrical discharges. Schizophrenia is associated with abnormal cortical connectivity, including reduced synaptic pruning and altered prefrontal-thalamic circuits, contributing to hallucinations and cognitive deficits.^[8]^[9]^[10] Imaging techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) map cerebral cortex activity by detecting blood flow changes or metabolic uptake, respectively, revealing activation patterns during tasks. These methods often reference Brodmann areas for localization; for instance, Area 17 corresponds to the primary visual cortex, where fMRI shows retinotopic organization of visual fields. Such non-invasive tools have advanced understanding of cortical dynamics without histological invasion.^[11]^[12]

Other Organ Cortices

The cortex of various non-brain organs in animals refers to the outer layer that often serves specialized physiological roles, such as filtration, hormone production, and structural support, distinct from neural processing in the cerebral cortex.^[13] The renal cortex is the outer region of the kidney, comprising the renal parenchyma and containing the glomeruli and proximal convoluted tubules essential for initial blood filtration.^[13] Its structure includes renal columns that extend between medullary pyramids, forming a granular appearance due to the dense packing of nephrons.^[14] The renal cortex plays a key role in urine formation through glomerular filtration and tubular reabsorption, while also maintaining electrolyte balance by regulating sodium, potassium, and water levels.^[15] In disorders like chronic kidney disease, damage to the renal cortex impairs these functions, reducing the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), typically measured in mL/min/1.73 m², with values below 60 indicating significant impairment.^[16] The adrenal cortex forms the outer portion of the adrenal glands, subdivided into three zones with distinct endocrine functions.^[17] The outermost zona glomerulosa produces aldosterone, which regulates sodium and potassium balance to maintain blood pressure and fluid homeostasis.^[17] The middle zona fasciculata synthesizes cortisol, a glucocorticoid crucial for the stress response, metabolism, and immune modulation.^[17] The inner zona reticularis generates androgen precursors, contributing to secondary sexual characteristics.^[17] Hormone biosynthesis in the adrenal cortex begins with cholesterol conversion to pregnenolone via the side-chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1), followed by zone-specific pathways to yield aldosterone, cortisol, or androgens.^[18] Other notable organ cortices include the ovarian cortex, which houses ovarian follicles responsible for oocyte (egg) development and production, supporting female reproduction.^[19] In lymph nodes, the cortex contains B-cell zones or follicles where B lymphocytes proliferate and differentiate in response to antigens, facilitating humoral immunity.^[20] The bone cortex, or compact bone layer, provides mechanical strength to skeletal elements through its dense matrix organized into Haversian systems, which include central canals for nutrient delivery and concentric lamellae for load-bearing.^[21] Across organs, cortical thickness and composition vary to suit functional demands; for instance, the adrenal cortex measures approximately 1-2 mm in thickness in humans, while the renal cortex averages 6-10 mm.^[22]^[23] These structures exhibit evolutionary conservation in vertebrates, with core components of renal filtration and adrenal hormone systems emerging at the divergence of major vertebrate lineages to support osmoregulation and stress adaptation in diverse environments.^[24]^[25] Pathologies affecting these cortices can severely disrupt organ function; Addison's disease, or primary adrenal insufficiency, results from autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex, leading to deficient cortisol and aldosterone production.^[26] Renal cortical necrosis arises from prolonged ischemia, causing acute tissue death in the renal cortex and often leading to irreversible kidney failure.^[27]

Non-Organ Biological Structures

The cell cortex, also known as the actin cortex, is a thin, actin-rich layer situated immediately beneath the plasma membrane in eukaryotic cells, composed primarily of crosslinked actin filaments, non-muscle myosin II motors, and associated proteins that generate contractile forces.^[28] This structure typically measures 100–200 nm in thickness and plays a critical role in maintaining cell shape by providing mechanical rigidity and resisting deformation during cellular processes. In addition, the cell cortex facilitates cell motility through actomyosin contractility, where myosin motors slide along actin filaments to drive protrusion and retraction at the leading edge.^[29] During cell division, the cortex undergoes remodeling via actin polymerization mediated by the ARP2/3 complex, which nucleates branched networks essential for cytokinesis and the formation of the contractile ring. Disruptions to the cell cortex, such as those caused by mutations in actin-regulatory proteins, impair cytokinesis and contribute to genomic instability in diseases like cancer.^[30] The hair cortex constitutes the primary structural layer of the hair shaft in mammals, forming the middle region between the cuticle and medulla and comprising tightly packed, spindle-shaped cortical cells filled with keratin intermediate filaments embedded in a matrix of keratin-associated proteins.^[31] These keratin filaments, organized into macrofibrils approximately 1000–4000 Å in diameter, provide the hair with its tensile strength and elasticity, enabling it to withstand mechanical stress without fracturing.^[31] Melanin granules, produced by melanocytes and transferred to cortical cells, are concentrated within this layer and determine hair color by absorbing specific wavelengths of light, with eumelanin yielding dark shades and pheomelanin producing lighter or reddish tones.^[32] Structurally, the cortex exhibits regional variations, including ortho-cortical cells with more nuclear remnants and a higher sulfur content, and para-cortical cells that are more fibrillar, influencing overall hair curvature and texture in straight versus curly fibers.^[31] In plants, the cortex refers to the ground tissue layer in stems and roots, positioned between the epidermis and the vascular bundles (stele), and is primarily composed of parenchyma cells for storage and metabolic functions, collenchyma cells for flexible support, and sclerenchyma cells for rigid reinforcement.^[33] Parenchyma cells, with thin walls and large vacuoles, dominate the cortex and facilitate starch storage, photosynthesis in green tissues, and radial transport of water and nutrients.^[33] Collenchyma provides tensile strength through thickened cellulose walls at cell corners, supporting young, elongating stems, while sclerenchyma offers long-term mechanical protection with lignified walls.^[33] In roots, the endodermis—the innermost layer of the cortex—features the Casparian strip, a band of lignin and suberin deposited in cell walls that creates a selective apoplastic barrier, regulating ion uptake and preventing backflow to enhance nutrient efficiency.^[34] Cortical structures appear across eukaryotic kingdoms, serving conserved roles in cellular protection and functional specialization, with evolutionary origins likely tied to the need for compartmentalization in early multicellular forms. In fungi, the hyphal cortex forms a thin outer layer of interwoven hyphae surrounding the central medulla, providing structural integrity and shielding internal compartments during invasive growth in substrates. This organization parallels the protective layering in animal cell cortices and plant ground tissues, suggesting an ancient adaptation for environmental resilience that enabled diversification into complex multicellular architectures.^[35] Research on the cell cortex has advanced mechanobiology, revealing how cortical tension influences cellular responses to mechanical forces, with applications in understanding tissue stiffness in development and disease through techniques like optical tweezers and traction force microscopy.^[36] In agriculture, studies of the plant root cortex focus on anatomical traits like reduced cortical cell file number or larger cell size, which lower metabolic costs and improve water acquisition under drought, informing breeding programs for resilient crops such as maize.^[37]

Technological Meanings

ARM Cortex Processors

The ARM Cortex family comprises a range of reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processor cores developed by Arm Holdings, targeting embedded systems, mobile devices, and high-performance computing applications. These cores are available in both 32-bit variants based on the ARMv7 architecture and 64-bit variants based on the ARMv8 architecture, with ongoing evolution toward ARMv9 for enhanced security and efficiency. The family is divided into three primary series: Cortex-A for general-purpose application processing, Cortex-M for low-cost microcontrollers, and Cortex-R for real-time systems. Introduced with the Cortex-A8 in 2005, the lineup has since expanded to address diverse computational needs while emphasizing power efficiency and scalability.^[38] The Cortex-A series serves as high-performance application processors, suitable for running rich operating systems like Android and Linux. For instance, the Cortex-A78 delivers premium efficiency for smartphones, integrating with the big.LITTLE heterogeneous architecture to pair high-performance "big" cores with energy-efficient "LITTLE" cores for dynamic workload balancing and reduced power draw. The Cortex-M series targets embedded applications, with the Cortex-M4 incorporating digital signal processing (DSP) instructions and a floating-point unit for tasks in Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Meanwhile, the Cortex-R series focuses on real-time determinism, such as in automotive control units. Performance is often measured in Dhrystone million instructions per second per megahertz (DMIPS/MHz); the Cortex-A76, for example, achieves approximately 4.5 DMIPS/MHz, enabling sustained high-throughput computing.^[39]^[40]^[41]^[42] Key features across the Cortex family include NEON advanced SIMD extensions for accelerated multimedia and signal processing, TrustZone technology for hardware-enforced secure execution environments, and seamless integration with Arm's Mali graphics processing units (GPUs) for enhanced visual rendering. Power consumption is optimized particularly in the Cortex-M series, where low-end implementations operate at sub-1W levels, supporting battery-constrained devices like wearables and sensors. In applications, Cortex processors dominate smartphones, holding over 99% market share as of 2025 due to their efficiency in mobile ecosystems; they also power automotive advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) via Cortex-R cores, and server infrastructure such as AWS Graviton processors for cloud workloads. The family's evolution culminated in 2025 with the Cortex-X925, a high-end Cortex-A variant optimized for on-device AI acceleration through improved vector and matrix operations.^[43]^[44]^[45]^[46]^[47] Arm employs an intellectual property (IP) licensing model, providing processor cores as semiconductor IP to manufacturers rather than fabricating chips themselves. Companies like Qualcomm and Apple license these cores, with Apple developing custom variants such as those in its A-series and M-series chips while adhering to Arm's architectural guidelines. This approach has facilitated adaptations to Moore's Law in mobile computing by enabling rapid iteration on process node shrinks and specialized optimizations for power-sensitive environments.^[48]^[49]

Software and Security Systems

The Cortex multi-agent system, developed by Snowflake, is an AI orchestration framework that enables the creation of distributed AI agents capable of handling complex tasks across structured and unstructured data sources. These agents plan actions, invoke tools such as Cortex Analyst for SQL generation and Cortex Search for retrieval-augmented generation, and generate responses while maintaining conversation context. Launched as part of Snowflake's Cortex AI suite in 2024, it supports scalable deployments in cloud environments and emphasizes interoperability with enterprise data warehouses.^[50] Cortex XDR, developed by Palo Alto Networks, is an extended detection and response (XDR) platform that integrates data from endpoints, networks, and cloud environments to provide unified threat detection and response. Launched in 2019, it employs machine learning models for behavioral analytics to identify zero-day threats and anomalies, such as unusual file modifications or lateral movement patterns, enabling proactive threat hunting. By 2025, its AI-driven capabilities have become central to enterprise cybersecurity, correlating signals across sources to reduce false positives and automate incident response workflows.^[51] Cortex, integrated with TheHive, is an open-source observable analysis and active response engine designed for security operations centers (SOCs) and incident response teams. It enriches observables like IP addresses, URLs, and hashes by running analyzers from various threat intelligence sources, automating enrichment and correlation to support digital forensics and threat hunting. Released in 2017 by TheHive Project, it facilitates active responses, such as blocking IPs or isolating endpoints, and integrates seamlessly with incident management platforms to streamline investigations.^[52] Cortex.io serves as an AI-powered internal developer portal that aids in software development and security scanning within DevSecOps pipelines. Updated in 2025 with enhanced generative AI features, it automates code generation, ownership mapping, and compliance checks by analyzing service catalogs, repositories, and deployment data to enforce security standards like vulnerability scanning and access controls. It provides self-service interfaces for developers to discover APIs, track dependencies, and ensure secure code delivery.^[53] Open-source contributions to these Cortex systems are hosted on platforms like GitHub, where repositories support agent simulations, analyzer extensions, and custom integrations; for instance, TheHive's Cortex repository includes over 150 analyzers contributed by the community for observable enrichment. Many of these tools integrate with Kubernetes for scalable deployments, allowing containerized analyzers and agents to run as jobs or pods in cluster environments, enhancing elasticity in high-volume security operations. Cortex.io, for example, ingests Kubernetes metadata to visualize microservices and enforce runtime security policies.^[52]^[54]^[55] In enterprise security case studies, organizations using Cortex XDR have reported significant reductions in mean time to respond (MTTR); for example, Asante Health automated 99% of incidents and lowered MTTR to 24 minutes through AI-powered correlation and playbook automation. Deployments of TheHive's Cortex have accelerated observable enrichment by automating threat intelligence lookups. For multi-agent systems like Snowflake's Cortex Agents, ethical AI considerations include adhering to principles of transparency, fairness, and privacy to mitigate biases in agent decision-making and ensure accountable access to sensitive data. Snowflake's responsible AI framework emphasizes human oversight, bias detection in ML models, and secure data handling to prevent unintended escalations in automated responses.^[56]^[57]^[58]

Tesla Cortex Supercomputers

Tesla's Cortex is a supercomputer cluster located at Gigafactory Texas in Austin, operational since the fourth quarter of 2024, featuring approximately 50,000 GPUs dedicated to training artificial intelligence models for Full Self-Driving (FSD) software and the Optimus humanoid robot project.^[59] In May 2025, construction began on Cortex 2.0, an expanded supercomputing facility adjacent to the original Cortex cluster at Giga Texas, designed to significantly increase Tesla's AI training capacity. Expected to become operational in late 2025 or early 2026, Cortex 2.0 aims to support accelerated development of autonomous driving and robotics technologies through enhanced computational power.^[60]^[61]^[62]

Entertainment

Video Game Elements

Doctor Neo Cortex serves as the primary antagonist in the Crash Bandicoot video game series, debuting in the original Crash Bandicoot released in 1996 for the PlayStation.^[63] Portrayed as an egomaniacal mad scientist with a grudge against humanity, Cortex employs his invention, the Evolvo-Ray—a device co-developed with Dr. Nitrus Brio to genetically mutate animals into obedient, super-intelligent mutants for his army.^[64] His recurring schemes center on world domination, often involving the collection of powerful artifacts like crystals or relics, and he frequently allies with the evil spirit Uka Uka, Aku Aku's malevolent twin, who provides mystical guidance and amplifies Cortex's villainous ambitions starting from Crash Bandicoot: Warped in 1998.^[65] Cortex appears as a boss or key character in over 15 titles across the franchise, including mainline platformers and spin-offs, with his character evolving from a straightforward schemer to a more comically inept figure in later entries.^[66] A pivotal element tied to Cortex is the Cortex Vortex, a mind-control apparatus introduced in the 1996 debut game, designed to brainwash Evolvo-Ray mutants into mindless slaves loyal to his cause.^[67] In the plot of Crash Bandicoot, Cortex captures bandicoots for experimentation, but protagonist Crash resists the Vortex's influence due to his inherently kind nature, leading to its destruction during the game's climax as Crash escapes Cortex's fortress. This device underscores Cortex's reliance on unethical science to enforce obedience, a theme revisited in sequels where failed activations highlight his hubris. The Crash Bandicoot series, featuring Cortex prominently, has achieved significant commercial success, with lifetime sales of 75 million units worldwide as of June 2025.^[68] Remakes such as the N. Sane Trilogy (2017), which reimagines the first three games with updated graphics and retains Cortex's antagonistic role, sold over 20 million copies.^[69] Similarly, Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time (2020) positions Cortex as a central villain alongside Dr. N. Tropy, involving time-travel escapades to avert a multiversal catastrophe caused by their escape from imprisonment.^[70] In spin-offs like Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled (2019), Cortex becomes a playable racer, classified as a balanced character with intermediate stats, allowing players to control him in competitive kart races.^[71] Cortex embodies and parodies the classic mad scientist archetype, exaggerating tropes of unchecked ambition and scientific overreach through his bombastic personality and repeated failures against Crash.^[72] The franchise's evolution reflects broader gaming trends, transitioning from 3D platforming roots to multiplayer formats, including the 2023 release Crash Team Rumble, a 4v4 online competition where Cortex is playable and teams vie for Wumpa fruit in modes blending objective-based gameplay with battle-like intensity, which received its final content update in 2024, though the core game remains playable.^[73]

Film and Audio Media

Cortex is a 2008 French thriller film directed by Nicolas Boukhrief, starring André Dussollier as a retired police inspector suffering from Alzheimer's disease who relocates to a specialized clinic and uncovers a pattern of suspicious deaths among the residents.^[74] The narrative revolves around the protagonist's struggle with memory loss as he relies on a notebook to piece together clues suggesting a conspiracy within the facility, blending elements of psychological tension and corporate intrigue.^[75] With a runtime of 104 minutes, the film emphasizes themes of cognitive decline and institutional mistrust, culminating in a taut exploration of unreliable perception.^[76] It received mixed reception, praised for its cerebral approach and Dussollier's performance but critiqued for uneven pacing, earning a 6.2/10 average on IMDb from nearly 900 user ratings and a 42% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.^[77]^[76] The Cortex podcast, hosted by independent creators CGP Grey and Myke Hurley, premiered in June 2015 on Relay FM and focuses on the intricacies of productivity, creativity, and personal workflows in content creation.^[78] Spanning over 170 episodes by late 2025, the series features candid discussions on tools, habits, and challenges faced by creators, such as the inaugural episode's examination of work philosophies and device setups, alongside later explorations of idea validation and project management.^[79] Episodes often highlight practical strategies for sustaining motivation and efficiency, influencing listener communities interested in self-improvement and digital nomadism.^[80] The podcast maintains a strong 4.8/5 rating on Apple Podcasts from more than 4,000 reviews, reflecting its appeal through relatable insights and evolving format that includes guest interviews on modern tools.^[81] Additional film and audio media titled Cortex include the 2020 German drama directed by and starring Moritz Bleibtreu, which follows a security guard tormented by vivid nightmares that blur the boundaries of reality, earning a 5.2/10 on IMDb for its introspective take on mental unraveling.^[82] In audio formats, the ongoing Cortex podcast has incorporated discussions on AI's influence on creative processes in recent 2025 episodes, such as reviews of AI hardware workflows, extending its scope to emerging technologies in non-interactive media.^[78] These works collectively underscore Cortex as a motif for cerebral and introspective storytelling across cinematic and auditory platforms.

Other Uses

Archaeological and Geological Contexts

In lithic analysis within archaeology and geology, the cortex refers to the weathered outer rind or patina on stone materials, resulting from prolonged exposure to environmental processes such as chemical oxidation and mechanical abrasion. This layer typically measures between 0.1 and 2 mm in thickness, varying with factors like rock type and duration of exposure; for instance, chalk flint often develops a thicker, white, chalky cortex, while gravel or beach flint exhibits thinner, abraded versions.^[83]^[84] The formation of cortex involves a combination of chemical and mechanical weathering mechanisms. Chemically, it arises from silica dissolution in the underlying rock and subsequent deposition of iron oxides, which stain the surface and contribute to its coloration; in arid environments, this process manifests as desert varnish, a thin, dark coating enriched with manganese and iron oxides from wind-deposited dust and microbial activity. Mechanically, abrasion from water, wind, or sediment transport erodes and polishes the surface over time, with Holocene-era artifacts (dating to the last 11,700 years) typically displaying thinner cortex due to relatively brief exposure compared to older geological formations. Climate plays a key role, as humid regions promote faster dissolution, while dry areas like deserts foster durable varnish layers that can accumulate over millennia.^[83]^[85] Archaeologically, the presence and characteristics of cortex provide critical insights into prehistoric human behaviors, particularly raw material sourcing and tool production strategies. For Paleolithic flint nodules, the original cortex indicates procurement from specific geological contexts, such as chalk beds or river gravels, helping trace trade or mobility patterns. During knapping—the process of shaping stone tools—artisans deliberately remove cortex to expose sharp, unweathered edges for effective cutting or scraping; remnants of cortex on flakes thus signal the initial stages of reduction. In refitting studies, matching cortical patterns across fragmented artifacts reconstructs manufacturing sequences and site activities, offering evidence of on-site versus off-site processing.^[86]^[87] Notable examples include the Levallois technique, a prepared-core method employed by Neanderthals at Middle Paleolithic sites across Europe and the Near East, where preferential flakes often retain small cortex remnants on their dorsal surfaces to indicate controlled reduction from nodular sources. Experimental archaeology replicates these processes today, using modern knapping to analyze cortex removal patterns and validate interpretations of ancient tool economies.^[88]^[89] In related fields, cortex is distinguished from patina, the former being the unaltered original rind from the source material, while the latter denotes post-depositional surface alterations like recortication or chemical discoloration occurring after tool exposure. Recent 2025 research employs advanced spectroscopy techniques, such as Raman and infrared methods, to non-destructively analyze cortex composition for dating and provenance, enhancing chronological resolution in lithic assemblages.^[90]^[91]

Role-Playing Game Systems

The Cortex System is a tabletop role-playing game (RPG) ruleset originally developed by Margaret Weis Productions, debuting in the Serenity Role-Playing Game in 2005 as an adaptation of the earlier Sovereign Stone mechanics. This system employs a dice pool mechanic using "step dice" ranging from d2 to d12 to represent character traits, skills, distinctions (narrative tags that provide bonuses or complications), and other elements, with players rolling multiple dice and selecting the two highest results to determine success, total value, and timing.^[92] It evolved through licensed adaptations, such as the Battlestar Galactica RPG in 2007, emphasizing flexible resolution for action-oriented narratives in science fiction settings. In 2010, the system advanced to Cortex Plus, introduced in the Smallville Role-Playing Game and Leverage: The Roleplaying Game, shifting toward drama and interpersonal dynamics with mechanics like relationship maps, value statements, and stress tracks that track emotional or physical strain rather than traditional hit points.^[93]^[94] These innovations allowed players to leverage personal connections and plot points to influence outcomes, fostering collaborative storytelling in ensemble casts, as seen in the Firefly RPG adaptation released in 2014. Cortex Prime, launched via Kickstarter in 2017 by designer Cam Banks, represents the modular culmination of the lineage, functioning as a customizable toolkit rather than a fixed ruleset. The Cortex Prime Game Handbook was released in 2020 by Fandom Tabletop. In 2022, the rights were acquired by Dire Wolf Digital, who have continued to support the system with digital tools and licensed titles as of 2025.^[95] Players assemble game elements like traits, assets, distinctions, and special effects (SFX) to suit genres, with the core resolution using step dice pools where the "height" (value shown on the matching dice) determines effect strength and "width" (number of matches) governs timing or opportunities.^[96] This version has powered over a dozen titles, including the Tales of Xadia: The Dragon Prince RPG and the Hammerheads setting for disaster-response scenarios.^[97] The design philosophy of the Cortex family prioritizes narrative-driven gameplay over granular simulation, enabling quick resolutions that highlight character drama, player agency, and emergent stories through complications and assets that evolve mid-session. Development of Cortex Prime incorporated open playtesting phases starting around 2015, culminating in its 2017 release, and by 2025, community-developed modules provide support for virtual tabletops such as Foundry VTT, with user adaptations for Roll20, to facilitate online play. Community-driven modifications have proliferated for sci-fi and fantasy campaigns, often shared via forums and Discord.^[98]^[99]^[100] The system's impact extends to indie RPG design, inspiring mechanics for relational drama and modular assembly in games like those using Powered by the Apocalypse frameworks, where stress and plot points similarly drive tension without complex combat simulation. Its adaptability has sustained a dedicated creator community, contributing to broader trends in narrative-focused toolkits.^[101]^[102]

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An actin filament branching surveillance system regulates cell cycle ...
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The first Armv9-A high-performance Cortex-A CPU based on Arm DynamIQ technology and designed for safety critical applications.
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Cortex Agents use Cortex Analyst, Cortex Search and custom tools to plan tasks and generate responses. You can influence the orchestration with instructions.
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Oct 27, 2025 · Cortex's Kubernetes integration surfaces cluster data directly in your service catalog alongside ownership, domains, and service metadata.
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Asante reduces its MTTR to 24 minutes and automates 99% of incidents. ... Catch our best-in-class cybersecurity solutions in action. Filter. Clear. Cortex XDR
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Cortex solves two common problems frequently encountered by SOCs, CSIRTs and security researchers in the course of threat intelligence, digital forensics and ...About Cortex · Download Cortex · Add a Cortex Server · Remove a Cortex Server
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CRASH IS BACK! · Crash Bandicoot Dr. Neo Cortex has a plan to take over the world, and he wants to create genetically engineered animals to do his bidding.
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The devious villains Neo Cortex and Dr. N. Tropy have finally escaped their interdimensional prison, leaving an evil scientist sized hole in the universe.
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Voiced most times by Lex Lang. Images of the Dr. Neo Cortex voice actors from the Crash Bandicoot franchise.
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Oct 6, 2015 · After the evolution, there is one final step: the exposure of the animal to the Cortex Vortex, a mind-controlling device created by Dr. Cortex ...
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Jun 20, 2024 · The Crash Bandicoot series keeps going strong, as the Crash N. Sane Trilogy has now sold 20 million copies.
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Rating 4.3 (27,400) An all-new Crash adventure. Neo Cortex and Dr. N. Tropy are now free from their penitentiary and it's up to Crash, Coco and friends to go across time and ...
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Crash Team Rumble | Home
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Cortex (2008) - IMDb
Rating 6.2/10 (893) A retired police inspector is stricken with Alzheimer's and decides to move into a residential clinic where he is puzzled by the sudden deaths of several ...
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Cortex - Variety
Feb 26, 2008 · A high-ranking retired cop with Alzheimer's suspects there's a killer loose in his nursing home in Nicolas Boukhrief's unusual, cerebral ...
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Cortex | Rotten Tomatoes
Rating 42% (37) Synopsis A retired lawman (André Dussollier) who has Alzheimer's disease suspects that a serial killer is loose in his nursing home. Director: Nicolas Boukhrief.
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Cortex - Relay FM
Grey and Myke watch the 2010 biopic 'The Social Network'. They discuss their thoughts on the film, its portrayal of Facebook's early days, and how it prompted ...167: Ten Years of Cortex · 165: How to Win Friends and... · Submit Feedback
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Cortex #1: I Don't Really Like Work - Relay FM
Jun 3, 2015 · In this episode, Myke quizzes Grey about his work devices, and Grey is disappointed by Myke's iPhone arrangement.
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Cortex - Podnews
and how they get it done. Each episode dives into the workflows they follow, ...
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Listener Numbers, Contacts, Similar Podcasts - Cortex - Rephonic
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Cortex (2020) - IMDb
Rating 5.2/10 (689) Cortex: Directed by Moritz Bleibtreu. With Moritz Bleibtreu, Nadja Uhl, Emily Kusche, Jannis Niewöhner. Hagen develops disturbing nightmares and soon can no ...
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Sep 5, 2022 · Grey explores collaboration again, Myke is getting ready for the Podcastathon. and they both discuss the ethics of AI art.
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In lithic analysis in archaeology the cortex is the outer layer of rock formed on the exterior of raw materials by chemical and mechanical weathering processes.
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[PDF] The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Selection of flint nodules
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The Measurement and Interpretation of Cortex in Lithic Assemblages
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An Assessment and Archaeological Application of Cortex ...
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Cortex Classic | System - RPGGeek
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Sep 21, 2010 · ... Cortex Plus (the generic rules set that's going to bolt rules from Smallville and Leverage onto the older set.) Despite the wealth of ...<|separator|>
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Cortex Prime - Help Me Explain this! | Tabletop Roleplaying Open
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Tesla's 50,000 GPU Cortex supercomputer went live in Q4 2024
Article detailing the launch and purpose of Tesla's original Cortex supercomputer.
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Tesla is building Cortex 2.0 supercomputer facility in Giga Texas
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Cortex 2.0: Tesla's new supercomputer to power Optimus, auto EVs
Overview of Cortex 2.0's purpose and expected timeline.
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Tesla Building Cortex 2.0 Supercomputer at Giga Texas to Power FSD
Details on the expansion for FSD and Optimus AI training.