A repetitive modular oscillation underlies human brain electric activity.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Mathematics
• Physics

Background:

• The modular function j, a complex mathematical entity, has potential physical implications.
• Recent research suggests the j-function may have a quantifiable real component and an undetectable imaginary component.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if the real part of the modular function j is detectable in human electroencephalography (EEG) signals.
• To explore the potential correlation between mathematical functions and brain activity.

Main Methods:

• Assessed electroencephalography (EEG) data from five healthy males in a resting, eyes-closed state.
• Superimposed bidimensional curves predicted by the j-function onto the recorded EEG traces.
• Analyzed the degree of match between the j-function's real part and EEG signals across different rhythms and electrode locations.

Main Results:

• A significant match (over 85%) was found between the real part of the j-function's trajectory and human EEG signals.
• This correlation was consistent across various electric rhythms and electrode placements.
• The real part of the j-function's wave pattern is ubiquitously present in normal EEG recordings.

Conclusions:

• The real part of the modular function j is a ubiquitous feature of normal human EEG.
• This finding suggests the j-function may represent a fundamental oscillation of the brain.
• The unexplored imaginary part of the j-function could offer insights into various neurological features and conditions.