A rapid switch in neural code may solve debate about face recognition

A new study published in Nature from the lab of HWNI member Doris Tsao, professor of neuroscience and Pivotal Life Sciences Faculty Scholar, has found that face-selective neurons in the brain initially respond to images of any object, but then rapidly switch to responding specifically to faces once a face is shown. This dynamic change in neuronal tuning may resolve a debate in the field over whether these cells respond specifically to facial features or more broadly to a wider range of visual stimuli. These findings could also provide a new model for AI systems, using a changing code rather than a stable one. Read more about the study from The Transmitter.