Work

Universal rhythmic architecture uncovers two modes of neural dynamics

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Understanding the organizing principles of brain activity can advance neurotechnology and medical diagnosis. Traditionally, neural activity is viewed as consisting oscillations in distinct frequency bands. However, emerging evidence suggests these oscillations often manifest as transient bursts rather than sustained rhythms. We examine the hypothesis that rhythmicity (sustained vs bursty) adds a further dimension to brain organization. Using a rhythmicity measure, we segment neurophysiological spectra from 859 participants across datasets, species, recording techniques, ages 18-88, sexes, brain regions, and cognitive states in health and disease. Our results reveal a universal rhythmicity-resolved spectral architecture with two categories: high-rhythmicity bands exhibiting sustained oscillations and new low-rhythmicity bands dominated by brief bursts. This architecture reflects two modes of operation: sustained bands suitable for maintaining ongoing activity, and transient bands which can signal responses to change. The rhythmicity-resolved architecture provides a unifying framework that bridges human and non-human findings, enables individualized spectral definitions, and offers a principled basis for understanding brain activity.

Source: Nature Communications

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-026-73553-8

Authors: Golan Karvat, Maité Crespo-García, Gal Vishne, Michael C. Anderson, Ayelet N. Landau

Institutions: MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Columbia University, University College London

Language: English

Topic: Neural dynamics and brain function

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $6,990