Environmental factors and personal behavior can affect brain activity for up to two weeks

In brief: Traditional studies of the human brain have typically focused on capturing snapshots of the organ's state at specific points in time. However, by tracking brain activity with more tools and over longer periods, we may uncover new insights about this incredibly complex biological thinking machine.

Finnish researchers have discovered a previously unknown mechanism that affects brain activity over time. Ana Triana, a researcher at Aalto University who led the recently published study, examined her own brain's activity for five months using a combination of tools and brain scans. The team ultimately identified two new patterns or "waves" that can significantly impact the brain's inner workings for up to 15 days.

The premise of the study is that most brain research relies on fixed snapshots of a subject's lived experience, and that we still don't fully understand how the brain responds to environmental, physiological, and behavioral changes. Triana monitored her brain activity using traditional functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) twice a week, tracked her sleep and physical activity with a smart ring, and recorded her heart and respiratory rates with a smartwatch.

Additionally, she completed "mood questionnaires" on her smartphone, all while being instructed to continue her daily life without overthinking the experiment. According to the study's authors, this combination of diverse monitoring methods provided a clearer and more realistic picture of how daily habits and experiences shape brain function, compared to relying solely on traditional fMRI scans.

Wearable technology played a crucial role in the research, Triana explained, as human brains don't function in isolation. "Brain scans are useful tools, but a snapshot of someone lying still for half an hour can only reveal so much," she said.

After months of monitoring her brain activity, the team identified two distinct brain patterns that emerge in response to specific behaviors: a short-term wave, lasting less than a week, and a long-term wave that can influence the brain for up to two weeks.

The short-term wave is associated with rapid responses to behaviors, such as having trouble focusing after a sleepless night. In contrast, the long-term wave appears to be a more gradual response to daily habits, with lasting effects on brain regions related to attention and memory.

While the Finnish study focused on the brain activity of a single individual, the researchers believe they have uncovered something significant about the brain's internal mechanisms. "This research is important because it provides a more comprehensive and dynamic view of brain function, highlighting the lasting impact of everyday habits on brain health," Triana said.

The study could also yield valuable insights for researchers studying mental health issues. By linking brain activity with physiological and environmental data, Triana suggested, we could make significant strides in patient treatment and revolutionize personalized healthcare.