A recent study by our faculty member Assoc. Prof. Murat Okatan, titled “Fast computation of the statistical significance test for spatio-temporal receptive field estimates obtained using spike-triggered averaging of binary pseudo-random sequences,” presents a novel approach that dramatically reduces the computation time of a previously developed statistical test.

The test in question is used to determine whether the relationship between neural responses and sensory stimuli is statistically significant. With existing methods, computing this test for certain neurons was projected to take hundreds of years. However, the new method developed by Dr. Okatan reduces this duration to under half a second, without compromising accuracy. In simulations, calculations that would have taken a duration equivalent to the sixth power of the age of the universe were completed in just 10 milliseconds.

This striking advancement is expected to significantly enhance research into how neurons— particularly in the visual system—respond to spatio-temporal stimuli, and may contribute to studies on the genetic underpinnings of neural connectivity.

The study originated from an assignment given in the Computational Neuroscience (BLU621E) course, offered as part of our Institute’s PhD Program in Information and Communications Engineering. Unique in its content in Türkiye, this course aims to explore the functioning of the nervous system at both the single-neuron and network levels using real neural data and statistical methods. Offered every semester, the course is open to interested master’s and doctoral students, and undergraduate students may also attend as auditors. Efforts are currently underway to offer the course as an undergraduate elective as well.