Frequency modulation of neural oscillations according to visual task demands

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1713318115
• Publication Date: 2018-01-22T20:06:08Z
• Authors: Andreas Wutz; David Melcher; Jason Samaha
• Keywords: Stimulus (psychology); Visual processing; Anticipation (artificial intelligence); Neural Activity; Temporal resolution; Modulation (music)

Significance Neural oscillations are hypothesized to play an important role in modulating perceptual processing accordance with top-down goals. For instance, the amplitude, phase, and spatial distribution of alpha-band change attention. Given recent links between peak frequency alpha temporal resolution perception, we investigated whether modulation occurs when task demands emphasize integration or segregation visual input over time. We found that occipital–temporal cortex decreased during, anticipation of, stimulus required compared segregation. These results demonstrate a unique mechanism by which brain controls current demands.