Editorial: EEG rhythms: decoding the evolutionary enigma of alpha rhythms in vertebrates

• Published in: Frontiers in human neuroscience Vol. 19; p. 1560294
• Main Authors: Shibata, Takashi, Takakusaki, Kaoru
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland Frontiers Research Foundation 30.01.2025; Frontiers Media S.A
• Subjects: Aging; alpha rhythm; Biomarkers; Brain research; Cognitive load; Conflicts of interest; Consumer behavior; Decision making; Dementia; Developmental biology; EEG; emotion; Emotional behavior; evolution; Human Neuroscience; Information processing; Mental disorders; Nervous system; Neurosciences; Neurosurgery; Nocturnal; Older people; Psychosis; Rhythm; Sleep and wakefulness; Social behavior; Writing; Japan; cognitive load; emotion; alpha rhythm; consumer behavior; aging; evolution; psychosis
• ISSN: 1662-5161; 1662-5161
• DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2025.1560294

The EEG alpha rhythm, oscillating at 8-13 Hz, has captured the attention of neuroscientists since its 17 discovery in 1929 by Hans Berger (Vergani A. 2024). This rhythm, often associated with wakeful rest 18 and relaxation, plays a critical role in brain function. Despite decades of research, its evolutionary 19 origins remain an enigma. We propose that the alpha rhythm played a pivotal role in the cognitive 20 evolution of nocturnal mammals (Shibata et al, 2024). By comparing mammalian brains with those of 21 fish, reptiles, and birds, we have identified unique alpha rhythm characteristics in mammals. Future 22 studies might offer further insights into its role in the evolution of advanced cognition, particularly in 23 humans. Beyond its evolutionary implications, the alpha rhythm has been widely studied for its 24 applications in health, clinical settings, and social contexts. This editorial highlights findings from five 25 recent EEG studies that explore its diverse roles and implications in humans. fluctuations in prestimulus alpha power can predict linguistic N400 responses (Lago et al., 2023). 77Building on this, further understanding the relationship between N400 neural markers and prestimulus 78 alpha power could help businesses optimize pricing strategies to align with consumer expectations, 79 thereby improving decision-making processes and customer satisfaction. 80 81The alpha rhythm, unique to mammals, might play a role in maintaining nocturnal wakefulness and is 83 a critical physiological phenomenon for understanding the brain's functional and evolutionary 84 complexity. This rhythm shows promise as a biomarker of brain activity, with broad implications-85 including aging, emotional processing, cognitive load, mental disorders, and social behavior. Fully 86 understanding its evolutionary origins and practical applications will require interdisciplinary research 87 that integrates insights from neuroscience, psychology, neuromarketing, and evolutionary biology.Such collaborative efforts have the potential to enhance our understanding of the brain's mechanisms 89for information integration and their far-reaching effects on health, behavior, and society.