Sensory attenuation of auditory evoked potentials (AEPs), particularly N1 and P2 components, has been widely demonstrated in response to simple, repetitive stimuli sequences of isolated synthetic sounds. It remains unclear, however, whether these effects generalize to complex soundscapes where temporal and acoustic features vary more broadly and dynamically. In this study, we investigated whether the inter-onset interval (IOI), the time between successive sound events, modulates AEP amplitudes in a complex auditory scene. We derived acoustic onsets from a naturalistic soundscape and applied temporal response function (TRF) analysis to electroencephalography data recorded from normal hearing human listeners ( N  = 22, 16 females, 6 males). Our results showed that shorter IOIs are associated with attenuated N1 and P2 amplitudes, replicating classical adaptation effects in a naturalistic soundscape. These effects remained stable when controlling for other acoustic features such as intensity and envelope sharp...

Epileptic seizures involve the brain transitioning from a resting state to an abnormal state of synchronized bursting, akin to a bifurcation in dynamical systems where a parameter shift triggers a qualitative change in behavior. A comprehensive model was previously developed that used dynamical equations capable of simulating 16 “dynamotypes” of seizures that span the full range of theoretical first-order dynamics. The current work is a tool to understand and implement this model with the goal of generating a wide range of synthetic seizures. We present a dynamical atlas of all 16 possible onset–offset bifurcation combinations, each characterized by distinct features in simulated EEG-like recordings. We include a tutorial and graphical user interphase that generates diverse simulated seizures. In addition, we include methods to add realistic noise and filtering effects to enhance their resemblance to human EEG data. This toolbox has two purposes: it is a practical, educational demonstration of the dynamica...

Experimental design is a core competency of scientific training with profound implications for research rigor and reproducibility. Yet, trainees often receive minimal guidance to structure their thinking around experimental design. Metacognition—reflecting on one's own thinking—offers a powerful tool to strengthen reasoning in this process. Here, we present the AiMS framework, which adapts the classic plan–monitor–evaluate cycle of metacognition to the context of experimental design. This framework emphasizes three iterative stages—Awareness, Analysis, and Adaptation—that scaffold reflection on an experimental system defined by its Models, Methods, and Measurements and evaluated through Specificity, Sensitivity, and Stability. We illustrate application of the AiMS framework through an interactive neuroanatomy case study and provide a structured worksheet to guide readers in applying it to their own experiments. We also highlight how the framework can assist researchers in organizing their ideas for researc...

Walt Gall, a strategy consultant for Biotechnology Enterprises, discusses the skills he developed during his PhD program and how they help him in his current role.

There is no shortage of “brain talk” in the public arena. If you watch TEDx talks, read blogs, or watch news programs, you will undoubtedly hear references to the brain. It’s exciting that neuroscience is being discussed and captivating the public’s interest — and that the public wants to know even more.

Previous studies emphasize the importance of prestimulus neural oscillations in shaping endogenous brain states that substantially impact perceptual outcomes. However, what features in such oscillations drive perception remains unknown. Furthermore, research has shown that non-oscillatory activity is also important for cognitive processing. However, their interaction prior to perceiving a multisensory stimulus remains unexplored. In this human EEG study (n=18, 10 males and 8 females), we investigated the role of prestimulus periodic power and aperiodic activity in modulating perception of the widely studied McGurk illusion on a trial-by-trial basis. Using logistic mixed-effect models, we reveal that the illusion perception is associated with reduced prestimulus alpha (8–12 Hz) and beta (15–30 Hz) power over frontal and occipital regions, increased theta (4–7 Hz) power in parietal, central, and occipital regions, and increased gamma (31–45 Hz) power across the scalp. Furthermore, lower aperiodic offset and ...

Epileptic seizures involve the brain transitioning from a resting state to an abnormal state of synchronized bursting, akin to a bifurcation in dynamical systems where a parameter shift triggers a qualitative change in behavior. A comprehensive model was previously developed that used dynamical equations capable of simulating 16 “dynamotypes” of seizures that span the full range of theoretical first-order dynamics. The current work is a tool to understand and implement this model with the goal of generating a wide range of synthetic seizures. We present a dynamical atlas of all 16 possible onset-offset bifurcation combinations, each characterized by distinct features in simulated EEG-like recordings. We include a tutorial and GUI that generates diverse simulated seizures. In addition, we include methods to add realistic noise and filtering effects to enhance their resemblance to human EEG data. This toolbox has two purposes: it is a practical, educational demonstration of the dynamical principles underlyin...

Sensory attenuation of auditory evoked potentials (AEPs), particularly N1 and P2 components, has been widely demonstrated in response to simple, repetitive stimuli sequences of isolated synthetic sounds. It remains unclear, however, whether these effects generalize to complex soundscapes where temporal and acoustic features vary more broadly and dynamically. In this study, we investigated whether the inter-onset interval (IOI), the time between successive sound events, modulates AEP amplitudes in a complex auditory scene. We derived acoustic onsets from a naturalistic soundscape and applied temporal response function (TRF) analysis to EEG data recorded from normal hearing human listeners (N = 22, 16 females, 6 males). Our results showed that shorter IOIs are associated with attenuated N1 and P2 amplitudes, replicating classical adaptation effects in a naturalistic sound scape. These effects remained stable when controlling for other acoustic features such as intensity and envelope sharpness and across diff...

Sleep is an evolutionarily conserved behavioral state whose regulation is poorly understood.

Networking is about exploring career options and trajectories and, most importantly, about building relationships. Before you can see the tangible benefits of networking, you need to lay the groundwork. Here are three steps to get you started.