The human brain operates on a symphony of rhythmic electrical activity, known as brain oscillations or brainwaves. These oscillations, detectable across various frequency bands (e.g., delta, theta, alpha, beta, gamma), are not merely epiphenomena but are increasingly recognized as fundamental mechanisms orchestrating neural communication and information processing. Decades of research have established robust correlations between specific oscillatory patterns and distinct cognitive states and functions, from perception and attention to memory formation and decision-making. Unraveling the precise role of these rhythmic dynamics is crucial for understanding the intricate architecture of cognition in both health and disease.
Despite significant progress in identifying correlational links, the precise mechanistic role of brain oscillations in shaping and enabling complex cognitive processes remains a vibrant and challenging area of investigation. A key problem lies in elucidating how dynamic oscillatory interactions across different brain regions and frequency bands give rise to the seamless integration of information required for cognitive operations. This Research Topic aims to address this by bringing together cutting-edge research that moves beyond mere association towards a deeper, more mechanistic understanding. We seek to highlight studies employing innovative experimental designs, advanced analytical techniques, and computational modeling to uncover the causal and functional significance of oscillatory activity. By synthesizing diverse findings, we hope to advance theoretical frameworks, identify novel targets for cognitive enhancement, and inform interventions for neurological and psychiatric disorders characterized by aberrant brain rhythms.
This Research Topic invites original research articles, reviews, methodological advances, and theoretical perspectives exploring the intricate relationship between brain oscillations and cognitive processing. We encourage submissions utilizing various techniques including, but not limited to, electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), intracranial EEG, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with cognitive tasks, and computational modeling. Studies focusing on both healthy and clinical populations are welcome.
Specific themes of interest include:
- Oscillatory mechanisms of attention, perception, and sensory processing.
- The role of brain rhythms in working memory, long-term memory encoding, consolidation, and retrieval.
- Oscillatory dynamics underlying decision-making, cognitive control, and executive functions.
- Inter-areal synchrony, phase-amplitude coupling, and large-scale network interactions during cognitive tasks.
- Causal manipulation of brain oscillations (e.g., via brain stimulation) to alter cognitive performance.
- Developmental or clinical perspectives on oscillatory dysfunction in cognitive disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, ADHD).
- Computational models illustrating oscillatory contributions to cognitive functions.
Article types and fees
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Case Report
Clinical Trial
Data Report
Editorial
FAIR² Data
FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
General Commentary
Hypothesis and Theory
Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.
Article types
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
