Front Syst Neurosci (Journal)

Studies have shown that cognitive functions, such as attention, perception, decision-making, and memory, are mediated by neuronal activity represented by synchronization of brain oscillations and networks. However, exact oscillatory mechanisms underlying different cognitive functions remain unclear. Several hypotheses have been proposed about the role and mechanism of neuronal oscillatory patterns in guiding cognition and behavior. One theory is that neuronal oscillations provide a temporal reference frame to spike timing and control mechanisms of the brain. It is believed that brain critically (a hypothesis that includes concepts of phase transitions, long-range temporal correlation, etc,.) is essential for the role of brain oscillations in timing. The other proposition is that large-scale networks’ oscillatory dynamics are required to encode task-relevant data. Findings suggest that neuronal communications involve synchronization/desynchronization of oscillatory networks while processing internal/external stimuli and associated cognitive functions.

Our Research Topic focused on models and findings that provide evidence and explanations for the role of neuronal oscillatory activity and brain networks synchronization during sensory and cognitive processing. Advances in signal processing techniques and computational algorithms may help to further understand the relationship between oscillatory brain dynamics and sensory/cognitive processing. That is, to understand how neural oscillatory patterns might differ according to the characteristics of sensory stimuli (visual, auditory, etc.) and/or cognitive demands. Recent advances in brain electrical or magnetic stimulation can also aid to investigate neural changes due to temporary interference caused by electric or magnetic waves of different frequencies. Inspection of brain disorders that have considerable effects on brain oscillatory patterns can be another avenue to elucidate functional roles of brain oscillations in neurocognitive control systems. Computational modeling is yet another powerful tool to reveal the brain oscillatory dynamics in creating various neurocognitive functions and behaviors.

This Research Topic contains original research as well as review articles that can advance our understanding of the role of brain oscillations and synchronization phenomenon in the formation of neural and cognitive functions, such as perception, memory, attention, decision making, and motor functions. Research manuscripts that demonstrate how manipulations of brain oscillations can influence different neurocognitive control systems and/or how some brain disorders affect the neural synchronization in specific ways were of interest as well.