Dynamics of neural oscillations: Theoretical and computational models of rhythmic brain activity

Neural oscillations are a fundamental feature of brain activity, emerging from the synchronized rhythmic firing of neuronal populations across various frequency bands. From the slow oscillations of deep sleep to the high-frequency gamma rhythms associated with perception and cognition, these temporal patterns are critical for coordinating information transfer across spatially distributed brain regions. Advances in electrophysiology and neuroimaging have provided a wealth of data regarding these rhythms; however, the underlying biophysical mechanisms and their functional roles remain subjects of intense debate. Computational modeling serves as a vital bridge in this field, allowing researchers to simulate the complex interactions between excitatory and inhibitory populations that give rise to these dynamics. Understanding these rhythms is not only essential for basic neuroscience but also for identifying the "oscillopathies" associated with neurological and psychiatric disorders.The primary goal of this Research Topic is to advance our mechanistic understanding of how neural oscillations are generated, modulated, and utilized for neural computation. A significant challenge in the field is moving beyond the purely descriptive observation of rhythms to a predictive framework that explains how specific circuit motifs and synaptic properties dictate oscillatory behavior. We aim to address how these dynamics facilitate "communication through coherence" and how they are affected by external perturbations or pathological states. To achieve this, we seek contributions that utilize theoretical and computational approaches to explore the non-linear dynamics of brain rhythms. We are particularly interested in models that explain cross-frequency coupling, the impact of noise on synchronization, and the role of network topology in shaping oscillatory frequency and power. By consolidating diverse modeling efforts, from simplified phase oscillators to detailed multi-compartment network simulations, this Research Topic aims to clarify how rhythmic activity serves as a primary language for the brain’s internal communication and cognitive processing.This Research Topic invites articles that focus on the computational modeling of brain rhythms. We encourage submissions that integrate experimental data with theoretical frameworks to provide new insights into the principles of neural synchronization.Specific themes for contributors include, but are not limited to:- Biophysical mechanisms: Models of E-I (excitatory-inhibitory) loops and the role of specific ion channels in rhythmogenesis- Cross-frequency coupling: Theoretical accounts of how different frequency bands (e.g., theta-gamma) interact to support memory and navigation.- Synchronization and Entrainment: Computational studies of how neural populations synchronize and respond to external sensory or electrical stimulation.- Oscillations in Disease: Modeling the breakdown of rhythmic activity in conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and schizophrenia.- Network Topology: The influence of connectome architecture, delays, and plasticity on the stability and propagation of oscillations.- Information Theory: Quantitative approaches to measuring information transfer through rhythmic activity. Topic editors: Wim van Drongelen, José Roberto Castilho Piqueira, Shyam Diwakar Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81454/dynamics-of-neural-oscillations-theoretical-and-computational-models-of-rhythmic-brain-activity