A Neural Network is an algorithm that allows a computer to make decisions based on past experiences. Although there are many different types of neural networks, all of them have one key similarity; they function by emulating a brain.  Neural networks are extremely good at classifying inputs. After they are trained to recognize patterns, they run virtually flawlessly. Neural networks provide the accuracy of handwriting and speech recognition applications. Because of their structure, distortion and noise do not severely impair the accuracy of neural networks. This makes them the ideal algorithm for classifying protein diffraction patterns.