Learning in Networks of Cortical Neurons

The results presented here demonstrate selective learning in a network of real cortical neurons. We focally stimulate the network at a low frequency (0.3-1 Hz) until a desired predefined response is observed 50 +/- 10 msec after a stimulus, at which point the stimulus is stopped for 5 min. Repeated cycles of this procedure ultimately lead to the desired response being directly elicited by the stimulus. By plotting the number of stimuli required to achieve the target response in each cycle, we are able to generate learning curves. Presumably, the repetitive stimulation is driving changes in the circuit, and we are selecting for changes consistent with the predefined desired response. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time learning of arbitrarily chosen tasks, in networks composed of real cortical neurons, is demonstrated outside of the body.