Brain's Gamma Waves: More Than Just a Buzz

For over eight decades, scientists have been curious about the brain's gamma waves, which oscillate between 30 to 150 times per second. Despite recent advances, we're still puzzled about their exact role in how we perceive, think, and act. Let's dive into what we know so far. First, let's chat about how these waves are born. They're the result of complex interactions between different types of brain cells, or neurons. Four key types are involved: those that express parvalbumin (PV), vasointestinal peptide (VIP), somatostatin (SST), and nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Now, what's their job? Well, some experts believe gamma waves help the brain process information. Others think they might even have a therapeutic role. One idea is using sensory stimulation to make the brain generate these waves, called GENUS. But hold on, not all experiments agree on if this actually works.Here's where things get interesting. What if gamma waves aren't just about info processing or therapy? What if they're essential for keeping our brain's plumbing in check? By that, we mean keeping blood flow steady, which is crucial for supplying our brain cells with the nutrients they need. Imagine gamma waves as the brain's maintenance crew. They might help translate brain activity into signals that keep blood vessels working smoothly. We're calling this idea GAMER. It's like GENUS, but focusing on the brain's own gamma waves. So, what's next? More experiments are needed to test this hypothesis. Stay tuned!