Universal rhythmic architecture uncovers two modes of neural dynamics

Understanding the organizing principles of brain activity can advance neurotechnology and medical diagnosis. Traditionally, neural activity is viewed as consisting oscillations in distinct frequency bands. However, emerging evidence suggests these oscillations often manifest as transient bursts rather than sustained rhythms. We examine the hypothesis that rhythmicity (sustained vs bursty) adds a further dimension to brain organization. Using a rhythmicity measure, we segment neurophysiological spectra from 859 participants across datasets, species, recording techniques, ages 18–88, sexes, brain regions, and cognitive states in health and disease. Our results reveal a universal rhythmicity-resolved spectral architecture with two categories: high-rhythmicity bands exhibiting sustained oscillations and new low-rhythmicity bands dominated by brief bursts. This architecture reflects two modes of operation: sustained bands suitable for maintaining ongoing activity, and transient bands which can signal responses to change. The rhythmicity-resolved architecture provides a unifying framework that bridges human and non-human findings, enables individualized spectral definitions, and offers a principled basis for understanding brain activity.