Neural coding: sparse but on time

Curr Biol. 2014 Oct 6;24(19):R957-9. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2014.08.041.

Abstract

To code information efficiently, sensory systems use sparse representations. In a sparse code, a specific stimulus activates only few spikes in a small number of neurons. A new study shows that the temporal pattern across sparsely activated neurons encodes information, suggesting that the sparse code extends into the time domain.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Grasshoppers / physiology*
  • Male
  • Mushroom Bodies / physiology*
  • Olfactory Perception*