Modelling the insect Mushroom Bodies: Application to sequence learning

Neural Netw. 2015 Jul:67:37-53. doi: 10.1016/j.neunet.2015.03.006. Epub 2015 Mar 27.

Abstract

Learning and reproducing temporal sequences is a fundamental ability used by living beings to adapt behaviour repertoire to environmental constraints. This paper is focused on the description of a model based on spiking neurons, able to learn and autonomously generate a sequence of events. The neural architecture is inspired by the insect Mushroom Bodies (MBs) that are a crucial centre for multimodal sensory integration and behaviour modulation. The sequence learning capability coexists, within the insect brain computational model, with all the other features already addressed like attention, expectation, learning classification and others. This is a clear example that a unique neural structure is able to cope concurrently with a plethora of behaviours. Simulation results and robotic experiments are reported and discussed.

Keywords: Context; Insect Mushroom Bodies; Insect brain; Learning; Neural model; Neuroscience; Spiking neurons.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Animals
  • Attention / physiology
  • Computer Simulation
  • Insecta / physiology*
  • Models, Neurological*
  • Mushroom Bodies / physiology*
  • Robotics
  • Serial Learning / physiology*