What does "Spike-Timing Dependent Plasticity" mean?

Table of Contents

Spike-Timing Dependent Plasticity (STDP) is a process that helps brain cells, or neurons, learn and adapt based on their activity. When two neurons are activated close together in time, their connection strengthens. This means they get better at communicating with each other. On the other hand, if one neuron fires a lot while the other does not, their connection weakens.

This process is crucial for how we learn new information and form memories. STDP mimics how the brain operates, making it a valuable concept in creating brain-like computer systems. Researchers are using STDP in advanced neural networks, which are computer systems modeled after the human brain, to improve their ability to learn from data and adapt to new situations.

STDP shows that timing matters in brain activity. By adjusting connections between neurons based on when they fire, the brain can better process information and respond to the world around us.