Proposed by Clara Driaï-Allègre
Meirhaeghe, N., Sohn, H., & Jazayeri, M. (2021). A precise and adaptive neural mechanism for predictive temporal processing in the frontal cortex. Neuron, 109(18), 2995-3011.e5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2021.08.025
In this study, the authors demonstrate that in monkeys, the neural dynamics of the dorsomedial frontal cortex adjust their speed based on the expected mean interval of upcoming events. When a longer interval is anticipated, the neural activity evolves more slowly; conversely, when a shorter interval is expected, it speeds up. This variation in speed enables neurons to encode deviations from expectations (for example, distinguishing between early and late events) rather than simply tracking absolute time. Additionally, when the temporal distribution changes covertly, the neural dynamics adapt to reflect the new mean, suggesting an adaptive mechanism that aligns with the concept of predictive processing of time.
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