New Study Finds Cyclical Patterns in Large-Scale Cortical Brain Networks

Recent research conducted by neuroscientists at the University of Oxford has uncovered that the activity of large-scale cortical networks in the human brain follows an inherent cyclical pattern. These networks, which connect various regions of the brain’s outer layer, are responsible for supporting complex mental functions such as attention, memory, and sensory processing. While previous studies have provided insights into individual neural processes, the mechanisms governing their coordinated timing and organization remained unclear.

In this study, published in Nature Neuroscience, researchers analyzed neuroimaging data using magnetoencephalography (MEG), a non-invasive technique capable of capturing magnetic signals emitted from neural activity in real time. The team developed machine learning methods to detect and visualize network activations, observing that the transition between different cortical networks exhibits a structured, cyclical order.

Dr. Mats W. J. van Es, the lead author, explained that early observations indicated asymmetric transitions between networks, suggesting a preferred activation sequence. To verify this, they examined data across various datasets and established a reliable method to identify the cyclical pattern, which proved to be robust and behaviorally relevant. Interestingly, this pattern resembles sleep cycles, where different phases serve distinct functions, but here it operates on much faster timescales during wakefulness.

The discovery implies that the brain might utilize these cyclical network activations to efficiently coordinate cognitive functions, ensuring tasks are completed within optimal time frames. The implications of this pattern extend to understanding brain health, as disruptions could be linked to neurological or psychiatric disorders. Future research aims to explore the origins of these patterns, their influence on behavior, and potential clinical applications.

One co-author, Dr. Cameron Higgins, has already initiated a startup, Resonait Medical Technologies, aiming to develop interventions that utilize this cyclical organization to treat mental health conditions. Van Es emphasizes the importance of further investigating the mechanisms behind this phenomenon, including how the sequence constrains cognitive operations and its role as a possible marker for brain disorders.

This groundbreaking work opens new avenues for understanding the temporal architecture of brain activity and its impact on health and disease.