Number representation in the brain using MEG

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.