Preprint FZJ-2026-02572

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Learning sequence timing and control of replay speed in networks of spiking neurons

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2026
arXiv

arXiv 2605.22523 [q-bio.NC] () [10.48550/arXiv.2605.22523]

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Abstract: Processing sequential inputs is a fundamental brain function, underlying tasks such as sensory perception, language, and motor control. A challenge in sequence processing is to represent not only the order of events, but also their precise timing. While existing computational models can learn sequential structure, many lack biologically plausible mechanisms to encode element-specific timing and to flexibly control the speed of sequence replay. The spiking Temporal Memory (sTM) model, a biologically inspired network model, provides a framework for key aspects of sequence processing. In the sTM model, each sequence element is represented by a small set of neurons firing synchronously, where the set of active neurons encodes the element's identity in its sequential context. In its original version, however, the sTM model learns the order but not the timing of sequence elements. Further, it remains an open question in neuroscience how the speed of sequence replay can be flexibly modulated. We propose a mechanism where the duration of sequence elements is represented by a sequential activation of element specific neuronal populations, enabling the model to encode sequences across a wide range of timescales. This provides a biologically plausible basis for learning and replaying complex temporal patterns. Additionally, we show that oscillatory background inputs can serve as a clock signal and provide a robust and flexible mechanism for controlling the speed of sequence replay. Our findings suggest that elapsed time is encoded by unique and sparse spatiotemporal patterns of neural activity, and that the speed of sequence replay during wakefulness and sleep is correlated to the characteristics of global oscillatory activity observed in EEG or LFP recordings.

Keyword(s): Neurons and Cognition (q-bio.NC) ; FOS: Biological sciences


Contributing Institute(s):
  1. Computational and Systems Neuroscience (IAS-6)
  2. Neuromorphic Software Eco System (PGI-15)
Research Program(s):
  1. 5232 - Computational Principles (POF4-523) (POF4-523)
  2. BMBF 03ZU1106CB - NeuroSys: Algorithm-Hardware Co-Design (Projekt C) - B (BMBF-03ZU1106CB) (BMBF-03ZU1106CB)
  3. BMFTR 03ZU2106CB - NeuroSys: Algorithm-Hardware Co-Design (Projekt C) - B (BMBF-03ZU2106CB) (BMBF-03ZU2106CB)
  4. BMBF 16ME0398K - Verbundprojekt: Neuro-inspirierte Technologien der künstlichen Intelligenz für die Elektronik der Zukunft - NEUROTEC II - (BMBF-16ME0398K) (BMBF-16ME0398K)
  5. BMBF 16ME0399 - Verbundprojekt: Neuro-inspirierte Technologien der künstlichen Intelligenz für die Elektronik der Zukunft - NEUROTEC II - (BMBF-16ME0399) (BMBF-16ME0399)
  6. GRK 2416 - GRK 2416: MultiSenses-MultiScales: Neue Ansätze zur Aufklärung neuronaler multisensorischer Integration (368482240) (368482240)
  7. JL SMHB - Joint Lab Supercomputing and Modeling for the Human Brain (JL SMHB-2021-2027) (JL SMHB-2021-2027)
  8. EBRAINS 2.0 - EBRAINS 2.0: A Research Infrastructure to Advance Neuroscience and Brain Health (101147319) (101147319)
  9. HiRSE - Helmholtz Platform for Research Software Engineering (HiRSE-20250220) (HiRSE-20250220)

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 Record created 2026-05-22, last modified 2026-06-02


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