Neural coding
Recent articles
The challenge of defining a neural population
Our current approach is largely arbitrary. We need new methods for grouping cells, ideally by their dynamics.
The challenge of defining a neural population
Our current approach is largely arbitrary. We need new methods for grouping cells, ideally by their dynamics.
John Beggs unpacks the critical brain hypothesis
Beggs outlines why and how brains operate at criticality, a sweet spot between order and chaos.
John Beggs unpacks the critical brain hypothesis
Beggs outlines why and how brains operate at criticality, a sweet spot between order and chaos.
Why the 21st-century neuroscientist needs to be neuroethically engaged
Technological advances in decoding brain activity and in growing human brain cells raise new ethical issues. Here is a framework to help researchers navigate them.
Why the 21st-century neuroscientist needs to be neuroethically engaged
Technological advances in decoding brain activity and in growing human brain cells raise new ethical issues. Here is a framework to help researchers navigate them.
Tracking single neurons in the human brain reveals new insight into language and other human-specific functions
Better technologies to stably monitor cell populations over long periods of time make it possible to study neural coding and dynamics in the human brain.
Tracking single neurons in the human brain reveals new insight into language and other human-specific functions
Better technologies to stably monitor cell populations over long periods of time make it possible to study neural coding and dynamics in the human brain.
It’s time to examine neural coding from the message’s point of view
In studying the brain, we almost always take the neuron’s perspective. But we can gain new insights by reorienting our frame of reference to that of the messages flowing over brain networks.
It’s time to examine neural coding from the message’s point of view
In studying the brain, we almost always take the neuron’s perspective. But we can gain new insights by reorienting our frame of reference to that of the messages flowing over brain networks.
Dmitri Chklovskii outlines how single neurons may act as their own optimal feedback controllers
From logical gates to grandmother cells, neuroscientists have employed many metaphors to explain single neuron function. Chklovskii makes the case that neurons are actually trying to control how their outputs affect the rest of the brain.
Dmitri Chklovskii outlines how single neurons may act as their own optimal feedback controllers
From logical gates to grandmother cells, neuroscientists have employed many metaphors to explain single neuron function. Chklovskii makes the case that neurons are actually trying to control how their outputs affect the rest of the brain.
Most neurons in mouse cortex defy functional categories
The majority of cells in the cerebral cortex are unspecialized, according to an unpublished analysis—and scientists need to take care in naming neurons, the researchers warn.
Most neurons in mouse cortex defy functional categories
The majority of cells in the cerebral cortex are unspecialized, according to an unpublished analysis—and scientists need to take care in naming neurons, the researchers warn.
Eli Sennesh talks about bridging predictive coding and NeuroAI
Predictive coding is an enticing theory of brain function. Building on decades of models and experimental work, Eli Sennesh proposes a biologically plausible way our brain might implement it.
Eli Sennesh talks about bridging predictive coding and NeuroAI
Predictive coding is an enticing theory of brain function. Building on decades of models and experimental work, Eli Sennesh proposes a biologically plausible way our brain might implement it.
The Transmitter’s favorite essays and columns of 2024
From sex differences in Alzheimer’s disease to enduring citation bias, experts weighed in on important scientific and practical issues in neuroscience.
The Transmitter’s favorite essays and columns of 2024
From sex differences in Alzheimer’s disease to enduring citation bias, experts weighed in on important scientific and practical issues in neuroscience.
Rajesh Rao reflects on predictive brains, neural interfaces and the future of human intelligence
Twenty-five years ago, Rajesh Rao proposed a seminal theory of how brains could implement predictive coding for perception. His modern version zeroes in on actions.
Rajesh Rao reflects on predictive brains, neural interfaces and the future of human intelligence
Twenty-five years ago, Rajesh Rao proposed a seminal theory of how brains could implement predictive coding for perception. His modern version zeroes in on actions.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Worms help untangle brain structure/function mystery
The synaptic connectome of most animals bears little resemblance to functional brain maps, but it can still predict neuronal activity, according to two preprints that tackle the puzzle in C. elegans.
Worms help untangle brain structure/function mystery
The synaptic connectome of most animals bears little resemblance to functional brain maps, but it can still predict neuronal activity, according to two preprints that tackle the puzzle in C. elegans.
Microglia nurture young interneurons
The immune cells secrete a growth factor that “sets the supply of GABAergic interneurons in the developing brain.”
Microglia nurture young interneurons
The immune cells secrete a growth factor that “sets the supply of GABAergic interneurons in the developing brain.”
Xaq Pitkow shares his principles for studying cognition in our imperfect brains and bodies
Pitkow discusses how evolution's messy constraints shape optimal brain algorithms, from Bayesian inference to ecological affordances.
Xaq Pitkow shares his principles for studying cognition in our imperfect brains and bodies
Pitkow discusses how evolution's messy constraints shape optimal brain algorithms, from Bayesian inference to ecological affordances.