Feedforward to the Past: The Relation between Neuronal Connectivity, Amplification, and Short-Term Memory

Two studies in this issue of Neuron challenge widely held assumptions about the role of positive feedback in recurrent neuronal networks. Goldman shows that such feedback is not necessary for memory maintenance in a neural integrator, and Murphy and Miller show that it is not necessary for amplification of orientation patterns in V1. Both suggest that seemingly recurrent networks can be feedforward in disguise.

[1]  D. Robinson,et al.  Integrating with neurons. , 1989, Annual review of neuroscience.

[2]  Surya Ganguli,et al.  Memory traces in dynamical systems , 2008, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

[3]  L. Trefethen,et al.  Spectra and pseudospectra : the behavior of nonnormal matrices and operators , 2005 .

[4]  J J Hopfield,et al.  Neural networks and physical systems with emergent collective computational abilities. , 1982, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.

[5]  A. Grinvald,et al.  Spontaneously emerging cortical representations of visual attributes , 2003, Nature.

[6]  H S Seung,et al.  How the brain keeps the eyes still. , 1996, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.

[7]  L. Trefethen,et al.  Spectra and Pseudospectra , 2020 .

[8]  D. Wilkin,et al.  Neuron , 2001, Brain Research.

[9]  Haim Sompolinsky,et al.  Patterns of Ongoing Activity and the Functional Architecture of the Primary Visual Cortex , 2004, Neuron.

[10]  A S Batuev,et al.  Two neuronal systems involved in short-term spatial memory in monkeys. , 1994, Acta neurobiologiae experimentalis.

[11]  R. Rosenfeld.  Nature , 2009, Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.