Enel et al use reservoir computing to understand how mixed selectivity dynamic in the prefrontal cortex support complex, flexible behavior.  Reservoir computing (like mixed selectivity) involves inputs fed to a dynamical system that learns only at the output stage.  They argue that this approach is good framework for understanding how cortical dynamics produce higher cognitive functions.

Enel, P., Procyk, E., Quilodran, R., & Dominey, P. F. (2016). Reservoir computing properties of neural dynamics in prefrontal cortexPLoS computational biology12(6), e1004967.

For more about mixed selectivity see:
Fusi, S., Miller, E.K., and Rigotti, M. (2016) Why neurons mix: High dimensionality for higher cognition.  Current Opinion in Neurobiology. 37:66-74  doi:10.1016/j.conb.2016.01.010. View PDF »

Rigotti, M., Barak, O., Warden, M.R., Wang, X., Daw, N.D., Miller, E.K., & Fusi, S. (2013) The importance of mixed selectivity in complex cognitive tasks. Nature, 497, 585-590, doi:10.1038/nature12160. View PDF »

About the Author


The Miller Lab uses experimental and theoretical approaches to study the neural basis of the high-level cognitive functions that underlie complex goal-directed behavior. ekmillerlab.mit.edu