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Number representation in the brain using MEG

Abstract

Most people use natural numbers daily for counting, estimating quantities, telling time, etc. Numbers are most commonly represented using words (e.g., three), Arabic digits (e.g., 3), Roman numerals (e.g., III), or repeated symbols (e.g., \(\heartsuit\heartsuit\heartsuit\)). However, numeration in the brain is still not well understood. There have been many attempts to use functional neuroimaging to identify brain regions that support simple numerical processes. However, these studies are not refined enough to distinguish between different numerical processes, and our understanding of brain activity during numerical processes is continuing to evolve. In this paper, we proved that there is an abstract concept of a number in the brain and we observed different properties of the MEG’s (magnetoencephalography) representation of brain activity while encountering stimulation with different numbers. In particular, we observed differences in brain activity between the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and the number 5, in terms of the shape and amplitude of the signal. In addition, we identified differences between digits and counting white circles on a black background. This is the first time that such differences have been observed. The methods developed for this project can be used in further MEG data studies to study the perception of the number in the brain.

2020 Mathematics Subject Classification:

neuroscience, numerical perception, geometry, data analysis, MEG

Keywords

92C20, 51-08, 51-11

Full text

Author Details

Ahmad Sleman

Department of Mathematics
Faculty of Exact Sciences
Bar-Ilan University
Ramat-Gan, 5290002 Israel
e-mail: ahmad82m@yahoo.com

Amir Kleks

Department of Mathematics
Faculty of Exact Sciences
Bar-Ilan University
Ramat-Gan, 5290002 Israel
e-mail: amirkleks@gmail.com

Yael Eisenberg

Department of Mathematics
Cornell University
Malott Hall, 310, 212 Garden Ave
Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
e-mail: ye45@cornell.edu

Alon Katz

Department of Mathematics
Faculty of Exact Sciences
Bar-Ilan University
Ramat-Gan, 5290002 Israel
e-mail: alon4catz1@gmail.com

Mina Teicher

Department of Mathematics
University of Miami
PO Box 249085, Coral Gables
FL 33124-4250, USA
e-mail: minateicher@gmail.com


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