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Single-neuron spiking variability in hippocampus dynamically tracks sensory content during memory formation in humans

Author

Listed:
  • Leonhard Waschke

    (Max Planck Institute for Human Development
    Max Planck Institute for Human Development)

  • Fabian Kamp

    (Max Planck Institute for Human Development
    Max Planck Institute for Human Development
    Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences)

  • Evi Elzen

    (Tilburg University)

  • Suresh Krishna

    (McGill University)

  • Ulman Lindenberger

    (Max Planck Institute for Human Development
    Max Planck Institute for Human Development)

  • Ueli Rutishauser

    (Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
    Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
    California Institute of Technology
    Cedars-Sinai Medical Center)

  • Douglas D. Garrett

    (Max Planck Institute for Human Development
    Max Planck Institute for Human Development)

Abstract

During memory formation, the hippocampus is presumed to represent the content of stimuli, but how it does so is unknown. Using computational modelling and human single-neuron recordings, we show that the more precisely hippocampal spiking variability tracks the composite features of each individual stimulus, the better those stimuli are later remembered. We propose that moment-to-moment spiking variability may provide a new window into how the hippocampus constructs memories from the building blocks of our sensory world.

Suggested Citation

  • Leonhard Waschke & Fabian Kamp & Evi Elzen & Suresh Krishna & Ulman Lindenberger & Ueli Rutishauser & Douglas D. Garrett, 2025. "Single-neuron spiking variability in hippocampus dynamically tracks sensory content during memory formation in humans," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-55406-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-55406-4
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