Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Optical Recording of Suprathreshold Neural Activity with Single-cell and Single-spike Resolution
Published on: September 5, 2012
Coherent stochastic oscillations enhance signal detection in spiking neurons
Tatiana A Engel1, Brian Helbig, David F Russell
1Department of Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, USA.
Abstract:
We study the effect of noisy oscillatory input on the signal discrimination by spontaneously firing neurons. Using analytically tractable model, we contrast signal detection in two situations: (i) when the neuron is driven by coherent oscillations and (ii) when the coherence of oscillations is destroyed. Analytical calculations revealed a region in the parameter space of the model where oscillations act to reduce the variability of neuronal firing and to enhance the discriminability of weak signals. These analytical results are employed to unveil a possible role of coherent oscillations in peripheral electrosensory system of paddlefish in improvement of detection of weak stimuli. The proposed mechanism may be relevant to a wide range of phenomena involving coherently driven oscillators.
Related Concept Videos
Propagation of Action Potentials
Neurons (nerve cells) have a resting membrane potential, with a slightly negative charge inside compared to outside. This is maintained by ion channels, such as sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) channels, which control the flow of ions. When a stimulus, like a touch or a signal from another neuron, triggers the neuron, sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to...
Muscle Stimulation Frequency
Wave summation
At low firing rates, motor neurons induce individual twitch contractions in muscle fibers. These twitches...
Amplifying Signals via Enzymatic Cascade
Amplifying Signals via Second Messengers
Signal Sequences and Sorting Receptors
Damped Oscillations
Although friction and other non-conservative...

