Neural dynamics of in vitro cortical networks reflects experienced temporal patterns

Learning ultimately relies on changes in the flow of activity within neural microcircuits. Plasticity of neural dynamics is particularly relevant for the processing of temporal information. Chronic stimulation of cultured rat cortical networks revealed ‘experience-dependent’ plasticity in neural dynamics. We observed changes in the temporal structure of activity that reflected the intervals used during training, suggesting that cortical circuits are inherently capable of temporal processing on short time scales.