Skip to content
#machine learning #data science Preprint Open access

Revenge of Monosemanticity: Neuron Specialization as a New Form of Feature Learning in MLPs

Amirhesam Abedsoltan Enric Boix-Adsera Fivos Kalogiannis Mikhail Belkin
Sep 2026
Machine Learning Data Science

Abstract

Understanding how neural networks learn and organize features is central to understanding their behavior. Much existing theory of feature learning has focused on the emergence of a global low-dimensional representation. We show that this picture is incomplete. In regression problems with clustered data, we demonstrate that multilayer perceptrons (MLPs) naturally develop monosemantic specialized neurons: individual neurons become strongly aligned with a specific predictive feature relevant to a particular region of the input space. Rather than learning a single global low-dimensional representation, MLPs learn a collection of local low-dimensional representations. We show that this ability to specialize gives MLPs a provable data-efficiency advantage over feature-learning methods based on a global low-dimensional representation.

View source

Similar papers

#computer vision Review Sep 2017

Agile Software Development Methods: Review and Analysis

This publication proposes a definition and a classification of agile software development approaches and analyses ten software development methods that can be characterized as being "agile" against the defined criterion.

P. Abrahamsson, O. Salo, Jussi Ronkainen et al. · 727 citations · ⚡54
#computer vision Jun 2008

The impact of agile practices on communication in software development

The study shows that agile practices improve both informal and formal communication, but indicates that, in larger development situations involving multiple external stakeholders, a mismatch of adequate communication mechanisms can sometimes even hinder the communication.

M. Pikkarainen, Jukka Haikara, O. Salo et al. · 401 citations · ⚡48
#machine learning Review Open access Oct 2014

Software development in startup companies: A systematic mapping study

The results indicate that software engineering work practices are chosen opportunistically, adapted and configured to provide value under the constrains imposed by the startup context.

Nicolò Paternoster, Carmine Giardino, M. Unterkalmsteiner et al. · 394 citations · ⚡54

Diffusion models as plug-and-play priors

The possibility of inferring high-dimensional data inference in a model that consists of a prior and an auxiliary differentiable constraint given some additional information is considered, thereby allowing a range of potential applications in adapting models to new domains and tasks.

Alexandros Graikos, Esmeralda S. Whitammer, N. Jojic et al. · 316 citations · ⚡15

Related blog posts

GPT-Lab Sep 3, 2026

Adaptive AI Agents in Construction Workflows

Adaptive AI agents can help make BIM data more machine-readable by navigating IFC models, interpreting inconsistent information, and mapping it to defined standards. In this blog, Alok Rawat shares findings from a real-world pilot in construction workflows. The post Adaptive AI Agents in Construction Workflows appeared first on GPT-Lab.

GPT-Lab Aug 28, 2026

We built an AI factory for HVAC control

What does it take to trust AI-driven HVAC optimization? Our AI Model Factory combines agents, machine learning, reinforcement learning and deterministic checks in a governed workflow designed for messy, real-world building data. The post We built an AI factory for HVAC control appeared first on GPT-Lab.

We use cookies to run the site and, with your consent, for analytics and to show ads. See our Cookie Policy.