The origins of time: A systematic review of the neural signatures of temporal prediction in infancy

Abstract

Human social interaction relies on the ability to detect and predict the temporal organization of sensory events. Although these abilities change markedly across infancy, little is known about their underlying neural mechanisms. This systematic review aims to define the neural signatures of temporal prediction in newborns and infants and to identify gaps that should guide future longitudinal research. Eight peer-reviewed studies were included, with 228 infants from birth to 9 months of age. Across studies, neural signatures of temporal prediction have been reported in broad cortical areas, including the anterior and medial parts of the brain, particularly within the frontal and central regions. Current evidence suggests that infants' neural responses to temporal regularities likely reflect a combination of early sensory-driven responses and emerging top-down processes. Importantly, gaps in the literature highlight the need for systematic, longitudinal approaches to clarify how neural mechanisms of temporal prediction develop and how biological predispositions and early experiences, including rhythmic and musical interactions, may contribute to this trajectory.

Keywords: Brain mechanisms; Infants; Newborns; Temporal prediction.