The Origin of Brain Waves
(EPFL, July 25, 2013)
Researchers from EPFL's Blue Brain project, together with other brain researchers, are creating a detailed simulation of a brain. They are analyzing individual neurons in great detail and then simulating networks of neurons. A computer simulation of 12,000 neurons shows similar brain wave patterns as measured in the brains of rats. According to the simulation, the phenomenon arises due to the flow of ions that electrically charge the neurons to fire electrical 'spikes'. This research will lead to a better understanding of the brain and neurological diseases.