The science behind Circl.

At Circl, we harness decades of neuroscience research to advance brain function through the use of the visual oddball task – a widely validated method for assessing cognitive function. Central to this is the P300 event-related potential (ERP), a brainwave linked to attention and working memory.

Since its discovery in 1964, the P300 has been extensively studied, with over 10,000 peer-reviewed research articles exploring its role in understanding brain function, cognitive health, and neurological conditions.

The P300 Response

  • Discovery

    First identified in 1964 by Sutton et al., the P300 has been a cornerstone in cognitive neuroscience for over 60 years.

  • How it works

    The P300 is elicited around 300 milliseconds after recognizing an unexpected stimulus.

  • Why it matters

    Amplitude: Reflects how much cognitive effort is allocated to the task.

    Latency: Indicates the speed of cognitive processing and decision-making.

  • Scope of Research

    The P300 has been referenced in thousands of studies, establishing its role in diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as fatigue, PTSD, concussion, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Wondering how we use this science to fuel our technology?

Connecting P300 to key conditions

Our approach is grounded in this expansive body of work, utilizing proven methods to deliver objective insights into brain function. Below is an overview of the science connecting the P300 to key conditions Circl addresses:

  • Research: Studies over the past 40 years consistently show that fatigue prolongs P300 latency and reduces amplitude, indicating slowed cognitive processing and diminished attention.

    Key Findings:

    • Fatigue reduces the brain's capacity to process information efficiently (Smith et al., 2005).

    • Lower amplitude signals cognitive exhaustion (van der Linden et al., 2003).

  • Neurological Markers: Brain fog – increasingly studied in the context of post-viral conditions – correlates with reduced P300 amplitude and delayed latency, reflecting cognitive inefficiency.

    Burnout Evidence: Burnout alters P300 patterns, diminishing attention and reducing mental stamina (Oosterholt et al., 2016).

  • Longitudinal Research: Since the 1990s, the P300 has been a key biomarker for PTSD, revealing deficits in cognitive resources and executive function.

    Clinical Validation: P300 alterations are used to assess severity and treatment response in PTSD patients (Kimble et al., 2000; Neylan et al., 2006).

  • Objective Measurement: P300 latency prolongation is one of the most reliable indicators of cognitive disruption post-concussion, even in cases where standard imaging shows no abnormalities.

    Decades of Validation: Research from early 2000s to present consistently supports the use of P300 in tracking brain injury recovery (Gosselin et al., 2006).

  • Early Detection: Reduced P300 amplitude has been associated with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, often serving as a predictive marker for cognitive decline (Polich & Herbst, 2000).

    Clinical Integration: Over five decades of studies demonstrate the P300’s potential in monitoring neurodegenerative progression, offering clinicians an objective tool for early intervention.

Circl’s Mission

By measuring P300 amplitude and latency through the visual oddball task, Circl offers:

  • Objective Metrics: Reliable, data-driven assessments of brain function.

  • Early Detection: Identifying cognitive strain before symptoms escalate.

  • Recovery Tracking: Monitoring brain function improvements in response to interventions.

This evidence-based approach empowers individuals in high-stakes and demanding environments — such as first responders, military, athletics, and aging populations — to safeguard their cognitive resilience, addressing challenges like fatigue, stress, burnout, and brain injuries before they impact performance or quality of life.

why the science matters.

With over six decades of research and thousands of studies validating the P300, Circl’s technology is not only innovative but deeply anchored in established neuroscience.

This ensures that every insight delivered is backed by rigorous science, providing measurable, actionable benefits for mental resilience and brain function.