Figure 2.

A) In a working memory study, alpha oscillations increased when 10 compared to 5 items were maintained in working memory. Here ERS and ERD denote respectively event-related synchronization and desynchronization (note that ERS is plotted negatively). Reproduced from (78). B) Using a Sternberg working memory task, a systematic increase in alpha power over posterior regions was reported. This increase in alpha power with memory load was sustained during the retention interval (from 0.2 to 3 s). Reproduced from (79);used with permission. These findings were best explained by posterior alpha oscillations actively inhibiting posterior brain regions during demanding tasks not requiring visual input. Consequently, they challenged the resting-state or idling notion of the alpha oscillations.