For any simple graph $G$, assign its nodes a weight/bit of $0$ or $1$. Call this a *bit assignment* for $G$. Now, generate a new bit assignment as follows: Each node $x$'s bit is replaced by $1$ if the sum of the bits of $x$'s neighbors is odd, and $0$ if that sum is even. For example, the $3$-cycle $K_3$ with bits $(1,0,0)$ goes to $(0,1,1)$ and then is stable: <hr /> [![K3][1]][1] <hr /> The $3$-path starting with $(1,0,0)$ goes in three steps to $(0,0,0)$ and then is stable: <hr /> [![P3][2]][2] <hr /> Say that $G$ has a *blinking assignment* if there is a bit assignment that flips to its complement in one step, and then returns to the original assigment, forming a cycle of length two: <hr /> [![Y][3]][3] <hr /> (If animated, the graph would "blink.") > ***Q***. Which graphs have blinking assignments? For example, $K_3$ has no blinking assignment, but the star $S_k$ for $k$ odd does. Many other questions could be asked (e.g., concerning longer cycles), but I'll focus on the above for now. Because the update rule is to replace a node's weight with the sum of its neighbors' weights $\bmod 2$, it seems possible this process has been studied for some $\mathbb{Z}_n$. If so, I would appreciate a pointer. [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/vfIev.jpg [2]: https://i.sstatic.net/C51OC.jpg [3]: https://i.sstatic.net/Y0xMn.jpg