Predictive internal neural dynamics for delay compensation

Neural transmission delay may cause serious problems unless a compensation mechanism exists in the neural system. We showed previously that facilitating neural dynamics is a key mechanism to compensate for delay in the neural transmission. We also investigated a role of internal neural dynamics in an evolutionary context: Internal neural dynamics that are predictable was found to give an evolutionary advantage. Here we suggest that predictable internal neural dynamics modulated by neural facilitation helps neural networks in coping with longer delay in neural signal transmission while giving the agents an evolutionary edge. The results are profound since they show a road to prediction that is an important prerequisite to cognitive abilities such as goal-directed behavior in intelligent systems. We expect our results to help better understand the role of predictive internal neural dynamics in both natural and artificial agents.