2/7 We combined iEEG signals across multiple depth probes by using a spatially localized clustering algorithm. We found complex, heterogeneous spatial patterns of insular waves, including spirals, that correlated with behavior, by changing their direction and strength.

4/7 Insular waves also modulate memory performance. For example, a clockwise spiral during memory encoding success, and a counter-clockwise spiral during memory encoding failure. Source waves during successful memory retrieval, and sinks during unsuccessful memory retrieval.

5/7 At the group level, wave strength increased for successful, compared to, unsuccessful memory encoding in the beta band. The reverse was true in the theta band.

3/7 Deep learning can decode memory behavior at the single-trial level from these insular waves.

6/7 Wave strength in the anterior insula was suppressed compared to the posterior insula, suggesting that the anterior insula is a spatially heterogeneous brain area ideally suited for initiating dynamic switching and exerting control over the DMN and FPN.

1/7 New preprint on the role of insular traveling waves in memory and behavior, using depth recordings from neurosurgical patients, with @chenwumd.bsky.social, Sameer Sheth, and Josh Jacobs. www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...

7/7 Waves in the anterior insula travelled from the anterior towards the posterior insula and got suppressed during successful, compared to, unsuccessful memory encoding, again suggesting heterogeneous dynamics in the insula to initiate efficient dynamic switching and control.

Thinking Isn’t Random—Your Brain Uses Specific Shapes www.inc.com/samantha-ste...

Thinking Isn’t Random—Your Brain Uses Specific Shapes www.inc.com/samantha-ste...

Traveling waves lit has clues. Josh Jacob’s group had this blurb in ref to Anastassiou et al., Pinotsis & Miller. Note: Steinmetz group found spiral waves to be synaptic. “Planar, spiral, and concentric traveling waves distinguish behavioral states in human memory” www.nature.com/articles/s41...

Have I mentioned that cognition is rhythmic? Planar, spiral, and concentric traveling waves distinguish behavioral states in human memory www.nature.com/articles/s41... #neuroscience

#GoTeamInsula!

“Planar, spiral, and concentric traveling waves distinguish behavioral states in human memory” www.nature.com/articles/s41...

Increasingly convinced that actual AI and self driving cars won't be possible until we can figure out how to make new computing architecture that more closely mimics the way brains work.

My, how things have changed! How brain areas interact and how they do so differentially in different brain states is one of the most important problems in understanding cognition.

Hidden Spirals Reveal Neurocomputational Mechanisms of Traveling Waves in Human Memory doi.org/10.1101/2025... #neuroscience

Hidden Spirals Reveal Neurocomputational Mechanisms of Traveling Waves in Human Memory https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.03.686225v1

Hidden Spirals Reveal Neurocomputational Mechanisms of Traveling Waves in Human Memory https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.03.686225v1

Insular Traveling Waves Link Distributed Neural Dynamics to Human Memory Performance www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...

Insular Traveling Waves Link Distributed Neural Dynamics to Human Memory Performance https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.15.676376v1

🚨 New preprint! Great work lead by @neuroanup.bsky.social: insular traveling waves that shape memory. 🧠🌊 The insula isn’t just along for the ride—it helps direct the flow. 🧵Check out the thread below for more details 👇 #Neuroscience #Memory

Insular Traveling Waves Link Distributed Neural Dynamics to Human Memory Performance https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.15.676376v1

1/7 New preprint on the role of insular traveling waves in memory and behavior, using depth recordings from neurosurgical patients, with @chenwumd.bsky.social, Sameer Sheth, and Josh Jacobs. www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...

Planar, Spiral, and Concentric Traveling Waves Distinguish Cognitive States in Human Memory https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.01.26.577456v1

Planar, Spiral, and Concentric Traveling Waves Distinguish Cognitive States in Human Memory https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.01.26.577456v1

It's not just the brain waves, it is how they travel. Planar, Spiral, and Concentric Traveling Waves Distinguish Cognitive States in Human Memory www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1... #neuroscience