Scientists have linked alpha brain waves in the parietal cortex to how we perceive our own bodies. Using the rubber hand illusion, researchers showed that the brain’s sense of ownership depends on the timing of these neural signals.

The team, from Sweden and France, used EEG monitoring and transcranial stimulation to alter wave frequency in over 100 participants. Faster alpha waves sharpened the boundary between self and environment, while slower waves blurred it.

These findings may inform treatments for schizophrenia and phantom limb pain. They could also improve prosthetics and virtual reality systems by mimicking natural brain signals that define bodily self-awareness.