Gamma Waves: Interactive Epistemological Experiments

Explore the strange, profound rhythms of the mind.
Simulate gamma oscillations (30–150 Hz) and manipulate parameters to witness the cognitive phenomena underlying memory, attention, and consciousness.

What Are Gamma Waves?

Gamma waves or gamma rhythms are patterns of neural oscillation in humans with a frequency between 30 and 100 Hz, with the 40 Hz point being of particular interest. Gamma waves between 30–70 Hz may be classified as low gamma, and those between 70–150 Hz as high gamma. Gamma rhythms are strongly correlated with large-scale brain network activity and cognitive phenomena such as working memory, attention, and perceptual grouping. Altered gamma activity has been observed in mood and cognitive disorders (Alzheimer's, epilepsy, schizophrenia)—but meditation and neurostimulation can also enhance gamma amplitude.

Gamma Wave Simulator

Try: Set frequency to 40 Hz for classic gamma, or sweep through 70–150 Hz for high gamma. Increase noise for more "disordered" brain states.

Epistemological Experiment: "Disturbingly Poignant"

Interpretation: Each line is an "agent" in a mental network. Increase synchrony for more coherent, collective oscillations; decrease for fragmentation. Play with group size to model scale of conscious assembly.
References:
[1] Wikipedia: Gamma wave
[2] Lutz et al., "Long-term meditators self-induce high-amplitude gamma synchrony...", PNAS 2004.
[3] Martorell et al., "Multi-sensory Gamma Stimulation Ameliorates Alzheimer's Pathology...", Cell 2019.
[4] Herrmann & Demiralp, "Human EEG gamma oscillations in neuropsychiatric disorders", Clinical Neurophysiology 2005.
[5] Uhlhaas & Singer, "High-frequency oscillations and schizophrenia", Nature Reviews Neuroscience 2010.
[6] Traub et al., "Gamma-frequency oscillations: mechanisms and functions", Trends in Neurosciences 1999.