Electroencephalography

Using real-time brain signals to predict and prevent attention lapses in kids

Flexible neural sheet device reaches deep cortical regions without brain penetration

A team of researchers has developed a flexible neural sheet device that can record and stimulate neural activity across multiple sensory cortices in mice. The device, which is thinner than a human hair, is inserted into the epidural space to avoid brain penetration, allowing for wide-area coverage of the temporal and deep cortical areas.

One dose of psilocybin changes the human brain

Researchers found that psilocybin causes temporary shifts in brain entropy, leading to increased insight and emotional self-awareness. This correlates with improved well-being and cognitive flexibility, suggesting the psychedelic trip is key to its therapeutic effects.

Optimizing a powerful tool for measuring brain activity

Research explores how differences in brain development, age, and sleep affect EEG signals recorded from awake individuals. The study reveals that brain signals during wakefulness depend on prior sleep, with effects differing between children and adults.

Say Cheese3D: A new model for tracking facial expression

Researchers have developed a new tool called Cheese3D to track subtle changes in mouse facial expression, enabling scientists to study and interpret brain function with greater accuracy. The system uses AI to quantify facial movements, opening up new possibilities for studying autism, behavioral therapy, and disease states.

Scientists engineer a tool to “edit” brain circuits and enhance memory

Researchers develop molecular tool called SynTrogo, which enables selective dismantling of synaptic connections in brain circuits. By harnessing astrocytes, the system reduces synapse number while strengthening remaining connections, leading to enhanced long-term potentiation and improved memory.

Targeting a deep brain region without surgery or medication

Researchers have demonstrated that noninvasive brain stimulation can alter the activity of the hippocampus, a critical deep brain region involved in emotion and memory. Personalizing the stimulation site using a patient's unique brain connectivity pathway increases the neuromodulation effect.

Brain’s wiring and signal speed shape alpha waves and background activity across the lifespan

A new model, Xi–αNET, explains how brain structure and signal conduction speed shape alpha waves and background activity. The study found that faster conduction speeds in younger individuals correspond to higher alpha frequencies, while slower conduction speeds in older adults lead to declining alpha frequencies.

Is your brain aging faster than you are? Sleep may hold the key

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that analyzing fine-scale patterns in brain waves during sleep can provide insights into brain health. The research suggests that sudden large spikes on EEG, known as kurtosis, are associated with a lower risk of dementia.

Differences in brain activity between ADHD and neurotypical adults

Researchers found that adults with ADHD exhibit more sleep-like brain activity, leading to more lapses in attention. This increased activity may be a key brain mechanism underlying attention problems in ADHD. Further study is needed to explore potential strategies to mitigate this activity.

Astrocytes shape motor coordination development in late adolescence

A new study reveals that astrocytes regulate inhibitory signaling in the cerebellum during development, enabling the emergence of flexible and precise motor coordination. In contrast, younger animals rely on neuron-derived tonic inhibition, which is replaced by astrocyte-derived tonic inhibition in late adolescence.

Epicurrents – an open-source web browser application for clinical neurophysiology education and scientific research

Epicurrents is an open-source web browser application that enables users to view various clinical neurophysiology recordings directly in a web browser. It supports easy, secure, and cost-effective remote teaching and can be used for both educational purposes and scientific research.

Babies are born with a sense of rhythm, study suggests

Researchers found that newborns as young as 2 days old can anticipate rhythmic patterns, indicating an innate ability to recognize rhythm. However, they struggled to predict melodic changes, suggesting that melody may be learned through exposure.

Noninvasive brain scanning could send signals to paralyzed limbs

Researchers have successfully decoded movement signals from patients' brains using electroencephalography (EEG) devices. However, decoding specific signals for lower limb movements remains challenging due to the limited depth of brain activity detection.

Infant brain development reflects families’ financial ability to meet everyday needs

A new study finds that infants' brain activity is influenced by their caregivers' reported income sufficiency, with delayed maturation seen in households where income was never adequate. The research suggests that policies strengthening families' basic needs during infancy may have lasting developmental benefits.

How does stroke influence speech comprehension?

Researchers compared brains of stroke patients with healthy controls to reveal differences in language processing mechanisms. People with verbal speech processing issues from stroke have weaker processing of speech sounds than healthy participants.

FAU engineers decode dementia type using AI and EEG brainwave analysis

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a deep learning model that detects and evaluates Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) using EEG brainwave analysis. The model achieved over 90% accuracy in distinguishing individuals with dementia from cognitively normal participants.

Unified EEG imaging improves mapping for epilepsy surgery

A new advance in EEG imaging technology has improved mapping for epilepsy surgery, providing an accurate and non-invasive method. Pathological HFOs were found to be the most accurate biomarker for identifying epileptogenic brain regions, allowing for precise localization of seizure onset.

Opportunities and challenges of multimodal electroencephalography and functional near infrared spectroscopy in neurological disorders

This study analyzed global publications of EEG-fNIRS synchronization techniques for their diagnostic and therapeutic value in clinical applications. The research identified hotspots, development trends, and future directions in neurology, emphasizing the importance of multimodal technology for disease diagnosis and treatment.

Brainwave study sheds light on cause of ‘hearing voices’

A recent study has found that auditory verbal hallucinations in schizophrenia may stem from a disruption in the brain's ability to recognize its own inner voice. Researchers used EEG to measure brainwaves as participants listened to audio and imagined speaking, revealing a stronger reaction in people with schizophrenia who heard voices.

Deep sleep supports memory via brain fluid and neural rhythms

Researchers have discovered that deep sleep plays a crucial role in controlling cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, which is essential for clearing waste from the brain. During slow-wave sleep, changes in cerebrospinal fluid signals are time-locked to slow brain waves and other neural events.

Heart rate changes predict depression treatment success with magnetic brain stimulation

Researchers have identified a rapid physiological marker that predicts which patients with major depression will respond to magnetic brain stimulation therapy. Patients whose heart rates slowed within 45 seconds of starting treatment showed significantly greater improvement in depressive symptoms six weeks later.

How sound—but not touch—shapes rhythm in the brain

Researchers found that brain activity corresponds to perceived beat when listening to music via sound but not through touch. This ability is crucial for human social interactions through music and may be strengthened by long-term practice.

Refining epilepsy surgery: A large-scale study reveals how SEEG improves decision-making in temporal lobe epilepsy

A large-scale study revealed that SEEG improves decision-making in temporal lobe epilepsy by identifying specific patterns like LFPS that predict better outcomes. This enhancement enables clinicians to make more precise surgical plans, particularly for patients with non-concordant imaging or suspected bilateral epilepsy.

Scientists reveal how senses work together in the brain

Research at the University of Rochester Medical Center and University College Dublin has revealed key insights into multisensory integration in the brain. The study found that when changes occur in both visual and auditory inputs, auditory and visual decision processes unfold in parallel but come together in the motor system.

BCI robotic hand control reaches new finger-level milestone

Researchers have successfully controlled a dexterous robotic hand using noninvasive EEG-based Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) for individual finger movements. The study demonstrates real-time brain decoding and motor imagery control, paving the way for potential applications beyond basic communication to intricate motor control.

Electronic tattoo gauges mental strain

Researchers developed a wireless forehead e-tattoo that decodes brainwaves to measure mental strain, providing an objective alternative to subjective surveys. The device can detect increased cognitive demand and predict mental fatigue, with potential applications in workplaces and homes.

An app to detect heart attacks and strokes -- and save lives

A new smartphone app, ECHAS, can help people determine if they are suffering from a heart attack or stroke and need medical attention. The app, developed by experts at UVA Health and other leading institutions, proved effective in identifying patients with cardiac and neurological emergencies.

Researchers harness brain activity to look at how we perceive faces from other racial groups differently

Researchers have used AI and brain activity to study the Other-Race-Effect (ORE), a phenomenon where people recognize faces of their own race more easily than others. They found that faces from other races are processed more generally and with less detail, leading to less accurate recognition.

The future of brain activity monitoring may look like a strand of hair

A new hairlike electrode made of 3D-printed hydrogel material has been developed to monitor brain activity for extended periods without the need for gels or skin preparation. The device's lightweight and flexible design allows for stable, high-quality recordings and minimizes discomfort, making it suitable for chronic monitoring.

Rise and shine: Natural light lessens morning fatigue

Researchers found that introducing moderate natural light into the bedroom before waking improves wakefulness and reduces sleepiness. The study suggests controlling natural light in the sleep environment may help promote a more comfortable awakening.

Canine EEG helps human: cross-species and cross-modality epileptic seizure detection via multi-space alignment

Researchers developed a method to detect epileptic seizures in humans using canine EEG data. The approach leverages feature similarities across species and modalities, reducing input space discrepancies. Euclidean alignment and knowledge distillation are key components of the proposed joint alignment mechanism.

Multitasking exercise enhances objective sleep quality in older women

This study found that low-intensity multitask exercise increased delta power during sleep and activated the prefrontal cortex immediately after the session. The findings suggest that multitasking exercise may be a promising strategy for promoting better sleep in older adults.

Infantile epilepsy detection: A breakthrough video-based approach for accurate identification of infantile spasms

A new method detects epileptic seizures in infants using a video-based approach, enhancing accuracy for diagnosis and disease management. The technique involves feature recognition and utilizes an optimized 3D-ResNet architecture to extract key features from video frames.

Brain waves measure the effect of anti-alcohol campaigns

Psychologists from the Konstanz Cluster of Excellence use portable EEGs to examine synchronization of brain activity in groups of viewers who watch real video health messages against risky alcohol consumption. The study demonstrates that strong messages lead to increased synchronization of brain waves, a key finding with implications f...

Electroencephalography may help guide treatments for language disorders

Researchers found a high agreement between EEG and fMRI in identifying brain regions activated during language tasks. EEG-guided tDCS improved picture-naming speed in participants, suggesting its potential for innovative therapies.

The reliability of subjective reports of sleep duration and quality: Insights from in-home electroencephalography

Research found that 66% of individuals who perceived their sleep as poor showed no objective sleep problems, while 45% of those who considered their sleep sufficient were identified as potentially sleep-deprived. The study highlights the inadequacy of relying solely on subjective sleep assessments and emphasizes the importance of incor...

Teens with a reduced response to rewards are more susceptible to depression

Researchers found that a blunted response to reward feedback in teens predicts the first onset of depression, but not anxiety or suicidal ideation. This study contributes to understanding neural risk factors for mental health disorders and developing new methods to assess mental health risks.

Mount Sinai team shows AI can detect serious neurologic changes in babies in the NICU using video data alone

Researchers at Mount Sinai trained an AI algorithm on over 16 million seconds of video footage from newborns in the NICU to predict sedation and cerebral dysfunction. The study shows promise for a minimally invasive, scalable method for continuous neurologic monitoring.

Heart data unlocks sleep secrets

Researchers at USC developed an approach that matches polysomnography using a single-lead echocardiogram, allowing anyone to create their own low-cost, DIY sleep-tracking device. The software significantly outperformed other EEG-less models and assesses sleep stages at the highest level.

Women and social exclusion: The complicated nature of rejection and retaliation

A new study from the University of Ottawa explores young women's reactions to social exclusion, revealing that retaliation is a common response to rejection. The study uses EEG to assess social pain in 87 participants, providing insight into the neurological underpinnings of peer rejection.

How our brain decodes other people’s gaze

A UNIGE team has successfully determined the exact moment when the brain detects another person's gaze direction. The study enhances our understanding of autism spectrum disorders and offers therapeutic prospects for people affected by Alzheimer's disease.

Groundbreaking approach to sleep study expands potential of sleep medicine

Researchers at the University of Houston have introduced a new method for sleep stage classification that can be performed at home and uses only two leads. This approach achieves expert-level agreement with the gold-standard polysomnography without expensive equipment, paving the way for more accessible and cost-effective sleep studies.

Breakthrough approach enables bidirectional BCI functionality

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have successfully integrated focused ultrasound stimulation into noninvasive BCIs, significantly boosting signal quality and enabling bidirectional brain-computer interfaces. The technology allows individuals to control a cursor or robotic arm using only their thoughts.

Zapping the right brain cells: The path to improved stimulation

Scientists at the Allen Institute and Cedars-Sinai have made a groundbreaking discovery about how neurons respond to electrical stimulation. The study found that different types of neurons exhibit distinct patterns of synchronization with electrical fields, varying depending on the rate of stimulation delivery.

From ripples to daydreams: the brain activity behind mind wandering

A study published in Nature Communications found that sharp-wave ripples in the hippocampus are associated with vivid, imaginative self-generated thoughts and less pleasurable states. This link may have implications for understanding conditions such as autism, attention deficit disorder, and happiness/well-being.

Quick decisions in soccer enhanced by brain’s ability to suppress actions

Researchers found that highly skilled soccer players exhibit faster reaction times and lower variability when faced with decision-making tasks. The study suggests that strong inhibitory processes play a crucial role in facilitating quick decisions on the field.

Improved neuromonitoring could prevent brain injuries for patients on ECMO life support

Researchers at the University of Rochester are developing a multimodal, non-invasive method to study the brain's physiology and reduce neurological issues associated with ECMO therapy. The technique uses electroencephalography, diffuse correlation spectroscopy, and evoked potentials to monitor blood flow and neural activity in the brain.

Center for BrainHealth investigates the impact of auditory beat stimulation on cognition

A recent study published in Cerebral Cortex found that participants exposed to 18-Hz beta binaural beats had significantly higher accuracy and faster response times during comprehension tasks. This suggests that binaural beat stimulation at this frequency may be a potential tool for improving language skills.

Sleep Trackers Everywhere: How does one choose?

A study evaluated sleep tracking performance of various wearable devices against a reference system, considering user needs. Non-EEG wearables showed superior performance for healthy individuals who want to monitor sleep habits.

How we play together

Scientists studied how players' brains react when working together in a computer game called Pacman. They found that the brain's response is linked to the player's role during cooperation.

"Zoom fatigue": Exhaustion caused by video conferencing proven on a neurophysiological level for the first time

A new study has provided neurophysiological evidence for videoconference fatigue, a feeling of tiredness and alienation caused by prolonged video-based communication. The study found that video conference-based lectures exhausted test subjects more than traditional in-person lectures.

Developing an electroencephalography-based model for predicting response to antidepressant medication

Researchers developed an electroencephalography-based model that accurately predicts response to specific antidepressant medications. The study suggests this method may help match patients with depression to optimized treatment, improving treatment outcomes.

Real-world context increases capacity for remembering colors

A study led by Dartmouth College researchers found that participants' color memory improved when stimuli were meaningful and part of real-world objects. The results demonstrate that the capacity for visual working memory of colors is more continuous and flexible than previously thought, with better recall of colors in meaningful contexts.

Biomarkers may hold key to precision mental health diagnosis, care

A Lehigh University professor has received $4 million in NIH grants to develop an AI-driven approach for precision mental health diagnosis and care. The project aims to identify biomarkers in the brain that can predict treatment response and personalize interventions for patients with depression and other mental disorders.

How the brain processes numbers – New procedure improves measurement of human brain activity

Researchers at TUM developed a new approach to measure human brain activity using microelectrodes and awake brain surgery. They found individual neurons specialize in handling specific numbers, providing insights into cognitive functions and developing solutions for brain function disorders.

Automated interpretation of clinical electroencephalograms using AI

An AI model called SCORE-AI achieved human expert level performance in fully automated electroencephalogram interpretation. This technology has the potential to improve diagnosis and patient care in underserved areas and increase efficiency in specialized epilepsy centers.

Cortical thinning is associated with altered neurotransmission in young adults with a history of heavy drinking since adolescence

Young adults with a history of heavy drinking since adolescence exhibit lower cortical gray matter thickness and altered neurotransmission, according to a recent study. Cortical thinning is associated with increased inhibitory neurotransmission, especially in the frontal and parietal lobes.

Brain waves may predict cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease

Researchers found that reduced brain wave strength is linked to cognitive dysfunction in PD patients, suggesting EEG as a diagnostic tool. The study aims to improve diagnosis and develop targeted therapies for cognitive symptoms.

Human hippocampus theta oscillations code goal distance during spatial navigation

Researchers found that right hippocampal theta power hierarchically encodes the distance between current position and goal destination. The study used intracranial electroencephalography recordings from epilepsy patients performing a virtual navigation task.