Naslov
Exploration of electromagnetic brain activity: from visual perception to higher cognitive functions

Autori
Sušac, Ana ; Huonker, Ralph ; Vecchiato, Giovanni ; Babiloni, Fabio ; Braeutigam, Sven ; Swithenby, Stephen ; Supek, Selma

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, znanstveni

Izvornik
5th Christmas Biophysics Workshop: Book of Abstracts / Hočevar, Ana ; Ziherl, Primož - Ljubljana, 2010

Skup
5th Christmas Biophysics Workshop (XBW 2010)

Mjesto i datum
Ptuj, Slovenija, 10.12.2010. - 11.12.2010

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Nije recenziran

Ključne riječi
Magnetoencephalography (MEG); electroencephalography (EEG); visual mismatch negativity (vMMN); spatio-temporal source localization; proportional reasoning; algebraic equations

Sažetak
Magnetoencephalography (MEG) and electroencephalography (EEG) provide direct measures of the brain electromagnetic activity. We used these neuroimaging methods to investigate dynamics of the brain networks involved in different tasks. Detection of changes in the environment is an evolutionary important skill. We have studied visual mismatch negativity (vMMN), the earliest brain response to the violation of regularity in visual stimulation. Spatio-temporal neuromagnetic source localization suggested that generators of this response are located in the occipital visual areas. We have also investigated the brain activity during proportional reasoning which is a logical skill required in problem solving in mathematics and science but also in everyday life situations. All participants became more accurate and faster after repeated solving of balance scale task. Cortical maps indicated significant increase of Power Spectral Density (PSD) in the alpha band in the parietal region together with a decreased activity for higher frequency, especially in the gamma band. Similar training effect was found for solving simple algebraic equations. Participants reported that they became aware of the patterns in the responses which helped them to solve equations more accurately and more quickly. Preliminary results suggested that early visual perception is very important in complex cognitive tasks such as equation solving.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Fizika, Temeljne medicinske znanosti, Pedagogija

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