This post is also available in Dutch.
Ever wondered how your brain juggles so many tasks? One moment you’re solving a maths problem, the next you’re reminiscing about your last vacation. It turns out that your brain has a fascinating way of keeping things organised—by cycling through different regions or networks in a structured, rhythmic manner!
What’s really happening in your brain?
Think of your brain as a city, with various neighbourhoods handling different tasks – some for thinking, others for memory, and others for attention. But the million-dollar question is: how does the brain manage to ensure that each area gets its turn without overlapping in a chaotic mess?
A recent study from the Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity reveals that your brain works in cycles. These cycles are not random but follow a specific pattern, activating different brain regions like clockwork. The study used MEG (magnetoencephalography), a super cool tool that measures brain activity, to track how different parts of the brain “light up” in a predictable, cyclical order.
Brain waves are like songs on a playlist
Your brain has its own playlist! The networks in your brain don’t just activate willy-nilly. They follow a predictable rhythm, cycling through various functions every 300 to 1,000 milliseconds. Imagine each brain network taking turns like songs in a playlist. One song might be dedicated to focusing your attention, another to recalling memories, and yet another to processing sensory information. But here’s the twist; while each network has its time to shine, the order in which they activate follows a specific cycle.
Why does this matter?
You might be thinking, “So what? My brain has cycles—cool story!” Well, it’s more important than you think! These cycles are linked to how well you perform tasks, how quickly you process information, and even how you age.
The study found that the speed and strength of these brain cycles can predict a lot about a person. For example, as people get older, their brain cycles tend to slow down. This could explain why older adults often experience slower cognitive processing. Also, these cycles appear to be somewhat heritable, meaning they could be influenced by genetics.
Brain cycles: The key to cognitive performance?
What’s fascinating is how these brain cycles relate to cognitive abilities. The study shows that certain phases of the cycle; such as when specific brain regions are more active or synchronised; are linked to better task performance, like memory recall or faster reaction times. But here’s the catch: while the timing of these phases can improve performance, some phases may also have a negative impact. Even though there’s a randomness in how the brain network activates, the overall order of cycles remains stable. This suggests that these cycles might act like a built-in balancing system, ensuring the brain’s functions stay in harmony.
Now imagine if conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder or attention deficits could be tied to hiccups in these brain rhythms. What if we could learn to fine-tune these cycles? We might just unlock new ways to enhance cognitive function and mitigate adverse effects. The future of brain health could be as simple as finding the right beat!
Author: Vivek
Buddy: Helena
Editor: Amir
Translator: Maartje
Editor Translator: Hilde
