Evidence that the brain’s ability to control thinking relies on beta rhythms
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Re: Evidence that the brain’s ability to control thinking relies on beta rhythms
#2Study: Gamma and beta bursts during working memory readout suggest roles in its volitional control
Citation: Mikael Lundqvist, Pawel Herman, Melissa R. Warden, Scott L. Brincat & Earl K. Miller. Nature Communications 9, Article number: 394 (2018).
Link: https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-017-02791-8
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-02791-8
Abstract: Working memory (WM) activity is not as stationary or sustained as previously thought. There are brief bursts of gamma (~50–120 Hz) and beta (~20–35 Hz) oscillations, the former linked to stimulus information in spiking. We examined these dynamics in relation to readout and control mechanisms of WM. Monkeys held sequences of two objects in WM to match to subsequent sequences. Changes in beta and gamma bursting suggested their distinct roles. In anticipation of having to use an object for the match decision, there was an increase in gamma and spiking information about that object and reduced beta bursting. This readout signal was only seen before relevant test objects, and was related to premotor activity. When the objects were no longer needed, beta increased and gamma decreased together with object spiking information. Deviations from these dynamics predicted behavioral errors. Thus, beta could regulate gamma and the information in WM.
Re: Evidence that the brain’s ability to control thinking relies on beta rhythms
#3[deleted]
Re: Evidence that the brain’s ability to control thinking relies on beta rhythms
#4I just finished reading Wait But Why's excellent article on NeuralLink https://waitbutwhy.com/2017/04/neuralink.html
I wonder if these top-down beta rythmes would force out implanted data similar to white blood cells and viruses.
Re: Evidence that the brain’s ability to control thinking relies on beta rhythms
#5Is there any data about the tendency towards of beta rhythms vs not in different cultures around the world?
Re: Evidence that the brain’s ability to control thinking relies on beta rhythms
#6Study: Gamma and beta bursts during working memory readout suggest roles in its volitional control Citation: Mikael Lundqvist, Pawel Herman, Melissa R. Warden, Scott L. Brincat & Earl K. Miller. Nature Communications 9, Article number: 394 (2018). Link: https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-017-02791-8 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-02791-8 Abstract: Working memory (WM) activity is not as stationary or sustained as previously t…
I can’t tell from this, but does this demonstrate a causal link or is the headline somewhat disconnected from the paper?
That is to say, does the brain truly rely on beta rhythms, or are they just a symptom of something else?
Re: Evidence that the brain’s ability to control thinking relies on beta rhythms
#7If anyone here is interested in learning more about Neurotechnology, I co-founded an organization called NeuroTechX which brings together neurotechnology enthusiasts from across the world. You can find out more about us at http://neurotechx.com/
Re: Evidence that the brain’s ability to control thinking relies on beta rhythms
#8Is there any data about the tendency towards of beta rhythms vs not in different cultures around the world?
Since brainwaves are associated with brain disorders and brain disorders are associated with genetics, it would be worth (albeit dangerous politically?) to investigate the link between brainwaves (and by extension, different cognitive faculties) and ethnicity.
Re: Evidence that the brain’s ability to control thinking relies on beta rhythms
#9Study: Gamma and beta bursts during working memory readout suggest roles in its volitional control Citation: Mikael Lundqvist, Pawel Herman, Melissa R. Warden, Scott L. Brincat & Earl K. Miller. Nature Communications 9, Article number: 394 (2018). Link: https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-017-02791-8 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-02791-8 Abstract: Working memory (WM) activity is not as stationary or sustained as previously t…
I can’t tell from this, but does this demonstrate a causal link or is the headline somewhat disconnected from the paper? That is to say, does the brain truly rely on beta rhythms, or are they just a symptom of something else?
I think the answer is necessarily "no," because the rhythm is a sign we observe of some functional system in the brain, not the functional system itself. Similar to how your heart rate is just a sign of the beating of your heart, only the latter of which is a real functional mechanism. Something is happening in the brain that generates these patterns and which also has to do with the cognitive faculties described in the paper; I don't think anyone has a very clear idea what that mechanism is, though.
I'm not sure if this answers your question, or is just pedantry. :)
Re: Evidence that the brain’s ability to control thinking relies on beta rhythms
#10It seems almost definitional that this effect is correlative and not causative unless the authors are positing that there are structures in the brain whose purpose is to generate brain waves or that we just massively misunderstand the function of neurons.
I read the previous paper summary linked to and I didn't see a way these waves are supposed to affect the neurons. Is there absolutely any theory as to the mechanism? Seems like bad science and reasoning even if the topic is interesting.