New research from Rutgers University has uncovered a complex timing system in the brain that significantly influences cognitive processes. Published in the journal Nature Communications, the study reveals how various regions of the brain operate on distinct internal clocks, which are essential for integrating rapid and slower information processing. This synchronization across different timescales is crucial for decision-making and behavioral responses.
The human brain continuously manages a diverse array of information, responding to immediate environmental changes while also taking time to interpret deeper meanings. In this study, researchers explored how networks of white matter connections facilitate communication between brain regions, allowing for efficient processing of both fast and slow signals.
Understanding Intrinsic Neural Timescales
Each region of the brain processes information at its own pace, governed by what scientists term intrinsic neural timescales (INTs). These INTs determine how long a region retains information before shifting to the next signal. According to Linden Parkes, assistant professor of Psychiatry at Rutgers Health and the study’s senior author, “To affect our environment through action, our brains must combine information processed over different timescales.”
The research team examined brain imaging data from 960 individuals, mapping out detailed brain connections, or connectomes. They utilized mathematical models to track the flow of information through these networks, which helped establish a direct correlation between local processing and overall cognitive behavior.
Impact of Timing on Cognitive Ability
The findings indicate that the organization of neural timescales in the cerebral cortex directly affects how effectively the brain transitions between various activity patterns linked to behavior. Importantly, the study highlighted individual differences in this timing system, suggesting that variations in how quickly the brain processes information could explain differences in cognitive abilities among individuals.
Parkes noted, “We found that differences in how the brain processes information at different speeds help explain why people vary in their cognitive abilities.” Furthermore, these timing patterns are associated with genetic and molecular features of brain tissue, linking the study’s findings to fundamental biological processes. Interestingly, similar mechanisms were observed in mouse brains, indicating a shared evolutionary trait across species.
The implications of this research extend into the realm of mental health. The team is now applying their findings to neuropsychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. They aim to investigate how disruptions in brain connectivity could affect temporal information processing.
This study was conducted in collaboration with Avram Holmes, an associate professor of psychiatry at Rutgers, along with postdoctoral researchers Ahmad Beyh and Amber Howell, and Jason Z. Kim from Cornell University. Their work is poised to offer deeper insights into the relationship between brain structure, cognitive function, and mental health disorders.
With ongoing research, there is potential for significant advancements in understanding not just human cognition, but also the biological underpinnings of various mental health conditions.
