Overview

• A study published in *Science* demonstrates that single neurons implement multiple synaptic plasticity rules in distinct dendritic compartments during learning.
• Apical dendrites strengthen synapses based on local coactivity, while basal dendrites adjust synapses according to the neuron's overall output activity.
• Suppressing neuronal firing selectively impairs plasticity in basal dendrites, leaving apical dendrites unaffected.
• The findings challenge the long-held view of uniform Hebbian learning, offering insights into the brain's credit-assignment problem.
• Researchers suggest the study could inspire advancements in artificial intelligence and treatments for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and PTSD.