Motifs distinguish networks TRN 112702
"There are many types of networks in the world -- computer webs like the Internet, connections among components in electronics, relationships among friends and acquaintances, transportation grids, food relationships among animals, connections among neurons, and interactions among genes.

Scientists from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel and Spring Harbor Laboratory have shown that it is possible to categorize networks by looking at certain recurring circuits, or motifs, within the networks."

(thanks Graham Klyne)