Gamma or no gamma, that is the question

Trends Cogn Sci. 2014 Oct;18(10):507-9. doi: 10.1016/j.tics.2014.08.006. Epub 2014 Sep 4.

Abstract

Numerous studies suggest that gamma-band synchronization is central to visual processing, yet most of them have used artificial stimuli. A new study using electrocorticography (ECoG) in humans reported finding no gamma for many natural images and for visual noise. However, we highlight that sensitive metrics can reveal clear gamma not only for natural images, but for noise stimuli and even during the absence of visual stimuli. This shows the importance of using appropriate metrics for detecting rhythmic synchronization and investigating the function of gamma during natural viewing.

Keywords: broadband high-frequency power; electrocorticography (ECoG); gamma-band synchronization; human versus animal; local field potential (LFP); natural vision.

MeSH terms

  • Brain Waves / physiology*
  • Electroencephalography
  • Humans
  • Visual Pathways / physiology*