Robert Kozma (U. of Memphis and UMass) will give the next Cognitive Bag Lunch at 12pm in Tobin 521B on Wednesday Feb. 22. All are welcome!

Title: Respiratory modulation of sensory cortices: Experimental evidence and graph theoretical models

Abstract: The brain generates oscillatory neuronal activity at a broad range of frequencies and the presence and amplitude of certain oscillations at specific times and in specific brain regions are highly correlated with states of arousal, sleep, and with a wide range of cognitive processes. The neuronal mechanisms underlying the generation of brain rhythms are poorly understood. Here we present new evidence suggesting that respiration has a direct influence on oscillatory cortical activity, including gamma oscillations, and on transitions between synchronous and asynchronous cortical network states (phase transitions) in humans. Our findings further suggest that respiratory influence on cortical activity is present in most, and possibly in all areas of the neocortex. Taken together, our findings suggest that respiration acts as master clock exerting a subtle but unfailing synchronizing influence on the temporal organization of large-scale, dynamic cortical activity patterns and the cognitive, emotional, sensory and motor processes they control.