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Hippocampal sharp-wave ripples correlate with periods of naturally occurring self-generated thoughts in humans

Psychology

Hippocampal sharp-wave ripples correlate with periods of naturally occurring self-generated thoughts in humans

T. Iwata, T. Yanagisawa, et al.

This groundbreaking study by Takamitsu Iwata and colleagues delves into the brain's inner workings, revealing a fascinating link between hippocampal sharp-wave ripples (SWRs) and our self-generated thoughts. With insights from long-term EEG recordings of epilepsy patients, the research highlights how these brain signals play a role in our most vivid and imaginative cognitive states.

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Playback language: English
Abstract
This study investigates the brain mechanisms underlying self-generated thoughts, hypothesizing a link between hippocampal sharp-wave ripples (SWRs) and these cognitive states. Long-term EEG recordings from 10 epilepsy patients with hippocampal electrodes revealed higher SWR rates during periods of vivid, less desirable, and more imaginable thoughts, less correlated with external tasks. This suggests a role for SWRs in the generation and experience of self-generated thoughts in daily life.
Publisher
Nature Communications
Published On
May 22, 2024
Authors
Takamitsu Iwata, Takufumi Yanagisawa, Yuji Ikegaya, Jonathan Smallwood, Ryohei Fukuma, Satoru Oshino, Naoki Tani, Hui Ming Khoo, Haruhiko Kishima
Tags
hippocampal sharp-wave ripples
self-generated thoughts
cognitive states
EEG recordings
epilepsy patients
vivid imagination
brain mechanisms
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