QLS Seminar Series - Niklas Brake
An orchestra out of rhythm: aperiodic EEG and the 1/f spectral trend
Niklas Brake, McGill University
Tuesday October 22, 12-1pm
Zoom Link:Ìý
In Person: 550 Sherbrooke, Room 189
Abstract:ÌýBrain rhythms have been studied for over a century using electroencephalography (EEG). But is there more to be gleaned from these non-invasive measurements of human brain activity? Recent work has focused on a new type of signal embedded within the well-known EEG oscillations, which appears to fluctuate arrhythmically. These signals seem to contravene the textbook explanation for EEG, and their existence and interpretation remain controversial. In this talk, I will review the evidence for these aperiodic EEG signals and the 1/f spectral trend that they purportedly produce. I will then present biophysical models of EEG generation along with pharmacological experiments that offer explanations for aperiodic EEG. I will close by discussing implications for practical EEG interpretation and assessing methodologies for spectral EEG analysis.