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Updated: Apr 22, 2026

Author Spotlight: Unlocking New Insights in fNIRS Studies - A Novel Framework for Inter-Brain Synchrony Analysis
Published on: October 6, 2023
Markers of criticality in phase synchronization
Maria Botcharova1, Simon F Farmer2, Luc Berthouze3
1CoMPLEX, Centre for Mathematics and Physics in the Life Sciences and Experimental Biology, University College London London, UK ; Institute of Neurology, University College London London, UK.
This study introduces a new framework to analyze brain criticality by examining phase synchrony fluctuations for long-range temporal correlations (LRTCs). Findings suggest brain resting states exhibit LRTCs, indicating readiness for dynamic shifts in neural activity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Dynamical Systems Theory
- Computational Neuroscience
Background:
- The brain operates as a critical dynamical system, maximizing information processing and communication.
- Evidence includes neuronal avalanches and long-range temporal correlations (LRTCs) in neural oscillations.
- Linking neural synchrony with criticality is crucial for understanding information coding and transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a framework for characterizing criticality in neural synchronization.
- To analyze moment-to-moment fluctuations of phase synchrony for LRTCs.
- To link synchronization measures with brain criticality.
Main Methods:
- Developed a framework based on analyzing phase synchrony fluctuations for LRTCs.
- Estimated the rate of change of phase difference and employed methods to detect LRTCs.
- Tested the framework using Ising and Kuramoto models, including variants simulating human brain dynamics, and analyzed human EEG/EMG data.
Main Results:
- Identified parameters in criticality models exhibiting LRTCs in phase synchronization.
- Demonstrated proof of principle by detecting LRTCs in corticomuscular phase synchronization from human EEG/EMG data.
- Showed that LRTCs in phase synchronization can be detected in resting states and experimentally manipulated.
Conclusions:
- The existence of LRTCs in phase synchrony fluctuations suggests non-local behavior governing system dynamics.
- Brain resting states may display LRTCs, reflecting a state of readiness for rapid shifts in neural synchrony.
- This has implications for understanding the conditions under which LRTCs appear in phase synchronization.
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