How the brain detects surprises — and why it could matter for mental health

FMI researchers adapted a mouse experiment

FMI researchers adapted a mouse experiment for humans using EEG and VR, finding similar brain responses to visual mismatches during movement.

What happens in the brain when our senses don’t match our expectations — for example, when we take a step, but there’s no sound or the sound is delayed or distorted? A new study led by FMI neuroscientists sheds light on how the brain detects and processes these moments of sensory surprise. The findings could not only deepen our understanding of how the brain interprets the world, but might also open new avenues for diagnosing and tracking psychiatric conditions. More