Robust and brain-like working memory through short-term synaptic plasticity

Leo Kozachkov, John Tauber, Mikael Lundqvist, Scott L. Brincat, Jean-Jacques E. Slotine, Earl K. Miller

Abstract: Author summary Working memory has been thought to depend on sustained spiking alone. But recent evidence shows that spiking is often sparse, not sustained. Short-term synaptic plasticity (STSP) could help by maintaining memories between spiking. To test this, we compared artificial recurrent neural networks (RNNs) with and without short-term synaptic plasticity (STSP). Both types of RNNs could maintain working memories. But RNNs with STSP functioned better. They were more robust to network degradation. Plus, their activity was more brain-like than RNNs without STSP. These results support a role for STSP in working memory.