The OPM-MEG system: Neuroimaging research is moving forward

We are thrilled to announce that the components of the OPM-MEG (Optically Pumped Magnetometer – Magnetoencephalography) system have arrived. The Cerca Magnetics team is installing the system in full swing, and they are doing a great job.

 

This facility will be the first of its kind in Italy, representing a giant leap forward for neuroimaging research and non-invasive technology for real-time brain imaging.

 

MEG systems measure magnetic fields generated by current flow in groups of neurons in the brain, in order to construct images showing moment-to-moment changes in brain activity. However, the OPM-MEG system is expected to outperform conventional MEG systems, because:

 

  • It is worn like a helmet and adapts to any head size.
  • Participants can move around quite freely during a scan. This means that unintentional movements will not affect the acquired data.
  • It is more sensitive and has better spatial precision.

 

The OPM-MEG system is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU – through MUR PNRR funding in the framework of the PNRR project IR00011 – EBRAINS-Italy “European Brain ReseArch INfrastructureS-Italy” (EBRAINS-Italy), Missione 4, “Istruzione e Ricerca” – Componente 2, “Dalla ricerca all’impresa” – Linea di investimento 3.1 del PNRR, Azione 3.1.1 “Creazione di nuove IR o potenziamento di quelle esistenti che concorrono agli obiettivi di Eccellenza Scientifica di Horizon Europe e costituzione di reti” – Area ESFRI H&F, CUP: B51E22000150006.

 

More information will be provided soon through LinkedIn.

 

Bando di selezione PNC2025-01 per il conferimento di n. 1 borsa di ricerca

Title of the project: “Studio della criticità in modelli a larga scala dell’attività cerebrale”, nell’ambito del progetto “Unraveling Brain Dynamics in DMM Patients: A Multi-Modal Imaging Approach Through System Theory (INSIGHTS)” all’interno del progetto MNESYS “A multiscale integrated approach to the study of the nervous system in health and disease” – PE00000006 finanziato dall’Unione Europea – NextGenerationEU su fondi PNRR MUR – M4C2 Spoke 2, CUP: B83C22004960002, sotto la supervisione del Dott. Michele Allegra, in qualità di Responsabile Scientifico.

 

Deadline for application: 24 April 2025 at 1:00 p.m. CEST.

 

Selection announcement

Modello CV [italiano]

CV Template [English]

Decree of Acts Approval and Ranking

 

An open ecosystem for cognitive neuroscience

by Prof. Russell Poldrack, Stanford University, USA

When: September 6, 2024, at 3:00 pm

Where: Sala Seminari VIMM (Fondazione per la Ricerca Biomedica Avanzata Onlus, Via Orus 2, Padova)

Abstract: It is now widely accepted that openness and transparency are keys to improving the reproducibility of scientific research, but many challenges remain to adoption of these practices. I will discuss the growth of an ecosystem for open science within the field of cognitive neuroscience, focusing on platforms for open data sharing and open source tools for reproducible data analysis. I will also discuss the role of the Brain Imaging Data Structure (BIDS), a community standard for data organization, in enabling this open science ecosystem, and will outline the scientific impacts of these resources.

 

2024-09-06 – Russell PoldrackDownload

Oculomotor behavior and the brain: Clinical and forensic implications

by Dr. Andrea Zangrossi, Dept. of General Psychology, University of Padova

When: July 11, 2024, at 3:00 pm

Where: Sala Seminari VIMM (Fondazione per la Ricerca Biomedica Avanzata Onlus, Via Orus 2, Padova)

Abstract: A rule of thumb in computer science is that if you give a computer the same input, you will always get the same output. However, this does not hold true for humans: providing the same sensory input can lead to a wide range of different behavioral and brain responses. How is that possible? One explanation is that brain activity and behavior are only partially grounded in the properties of the sensory input, and that behavior is strongly influenced by the brain’s intrinsic dynamics. These endogenous dynamics are thought to represent stable features of the individual as well as ongoing mental states. A logical consequence is that behavioral dynamics should convey information about the underlying individual brain/mental states.

In this seminar, I will focus on a specific domain of behavior, namely oculomotor behavior – how we scan the surrounding environment through our eye movements. Specifically, I will explore how oculomotor behavior can provide insights into both stable interindividual differences, neurodegenerative processes, and covert cognitive processing.

Indeed, previous studies have shown that eye movements can reveal individual traits and brain properties that are stable over time. Moreover, studying oculomotor behavior has important clinical applications, as it can represent a non-invasive approach for identifying novel biomarkers of dementia. Finally, the nature of eye-movement dynamics makes them suitable for studying ongoing cognitive processing and revealing covert mental states, with potential applications in forensic neuroscience.

 

2024-07-11 – Andrea ZangrossiDownload

Selection notice for the awarding of a position at the Padova Neuroscience Center in the framework of the Horizon Europe project “EBRAINS 2.0

Title of the Project

“Acquisizione e analisi di un connettoma multicentrico e multimodale in soggetti sani” (in English: “Acquisition and analysis of a comprehensive multicentre and multimodal connectome in healthy controls”), Research Supervisor Prof. Alessandra Bertoldo

 

Purpose of the Research Grant

The purpose of this Research Grant, which is funded by the European Union in the framework of the Horizon Europe project “EBRAINS 2.0: A Research Infrastructure to Advance Neuroscience and Brain Health”, Principal Investigator Prof. Maurizio Corbetta, is to grant research into:

The project involves the generation of foundational normative atlas by acquiring advanced imaging data from a large, diverse multicentric healthy cohort. The dataset will include structural MRI, resting state fMRI, multi-shell DWI, high-density EEG, and dynamic 18F-FDG PET, providing comprehensive insights into brain anatomy, functional connectivity, white matter fiber orientations, neural electrical activity, and glucose metabolism. The acquired data will be employed to extract relevant imaging features, covering structural, functional, connectivity, activity, and metabolic aspects of the brain. Three main extraction approaches will be used: voxel-based, region-based, and connectivity-based features. Rigorous validation and quality assurance procedures will ensure the accuracy and reliability of the features. Once validated, the curated imaging features will be made available on an open-access platform to promote collaboration and advance understanding of brain function and neurological disorders.

Activity: The research fellow will share, with the other research fellows hired in Padova for the same EU project, the responsibilities for the acquisition, anonymization, pre-processing, processing, and integration of neuroimages and HD-EEG signals acquired simultaneously on the Biograph mMR Siemens hybrid system. Curation of the cognitive tests and clinical features will be also part of her/his shared activities. She/He will work and collaborate on the quantification of [18F]FDG PET as well as on the derivation of connectomics features from MR images and EEG signals. He/She will also actively collaborate in close interaction with external collaborators, including neurologists, neuroscientists, and physicists.

Profile: The ideal candidate should have experience in neuroimaging analysis and, preferable, a background in bioengineering, and/or applied mathematics/physics, and/or statistics, and/or computer science, and/or neuroscience and related fields. He/she must have demonstrated experience in advanced analytic techniques (e.g. multivariate approaches, machine learning, graph theory etc.). Strong analytical/mathematical skills are a requirement. Experience in one or more areas of neuroimaging will be plus. Programming and scripting skills (Python, Matlab, Bash) are not a prerequisite, but a clear advantage. It is required the knowledge of the following softwares: FSL, ANTs, MRtrix3, Nilearn, MNE-python, FieldTrip. Moreover, the candidate must be highly motivated and creative individual with the ability to work in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary research environment and be willing to interact with both experimental and theoretical neuroscientists.

 

Deadline for submitting applications

10 July April 2024 at 1:00 pm CEST

 

Selection Notice

Guidelines for Submitting Applications

 

 

EBRAINS welcomes University of Padua as new associate member

EBRAINS is pleased to announce that the University of Padua has joined the EBRAINS AISBL as an associate member.

The membership will give the University of Padua the opportunity to co-design future iterations of EBRAINS’ cutting-edge tools and services. These state-of-the-art capabilities – which include an extensive range of brain data sets, a multilevel brain atlas, modelling and simulation tools, and access to high-performance computing resources and robotics and neuromorphic platforms – aim to help European researchers to address major challenges in brain health.

 

Founded in 1222, the University of Padua (UNIPD) is one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious seats of learning and has a long tradition and consolidated reputation for scientific excellence. With over 70,000 students (over 7,000 international students) and about 2,200 professors and researchers within its 32 departments, 40 doctoral degree programs, and 44 interdisciplinary research centers, UNIPD covers an exceptionally broad research scope including Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, Engineering, Physics, Technology, Life Sciences, Medicine, and Natural Sciences.

 

Supported by 7 Departments, the Padova Neuroscience Center – PNC is an UNIPD research facility with 93 research affiliates among full, associate, and assistant professors, and it hosts the UNIPD PhD Program in Neuroscience. PNC provides scientific and technical expertise in five areas: “Multimodal Neuroimaging and Analysis Methods”, “Circuits and Cellular Neuroscience”, “Cognitive, Affective and Behavioral Neuroscience”, “Translational and Clinical Neuroscience”, and “Computational Neuroscience”. For more information about PNC, please write to administration.pnc@unipd.it or visit https://www.unipd.it/en/.

 

“We are thrilled to join as an Associate Member the European EBRAINS network. This membership will enable our researchers to actively participate in collaborative teams focused on neuroscience, brain health, and brain-inspired technology. We believe that this partnership will open up new avenues for advancing brain-related research and that the collaborative network of EBRAINS will accelerate our efforts in understanding the brain’s complex dynamic system. We look forward to the opportunities this collaboration will bring.”
Prof. Alessandra Bertoldo
Director of the Padova Neuroscience Center, UNIPD

“This offers a unique opportunity for Padova to become a leading hub for clinical neuroscience within Europe’s leading neuroscience bioinformatics platform, significantly enhancing biomedical research. Additionally, joining the EBRAINS community will allow us to broaden and deepen our international collaborations.”
Prof. Maurizio Corbetta
Founder of the Padova Neuroscience Center, UNIPD

“We are delighted to welcome the University of Padua as an associate member at EBRAINS. The university brings with it a wealth of experience in many branches of brain research, including neuroimaging, cognitive neuroscience, and computational neuroscience.”
Philippe Vernier
Joint-CEO of EBRAINS

 

About EBRAINS

The EBRAINS research infrastructure, a key outcome and legacy of the EU-funded Human Brain Project (HBP), was officially launched in 2019. Two years later, in 2021, EBRAINS was included in the Roadmap of the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI). In this next phase, after the recent conclusion of the HBP, EBRAINS will complete the transition into a sustainable infrastructure.

 

EBRAINS is an open research infrastructure that gathers high-quality research data, tools and computing facilities for brain-related research, built with interoperability at the core. The infrastructure offers an extensive range of FAIR data sets, a most comprehensive multilevel brain atlas, AI-based tools for analysis, modelling and simulation tools, and access to high-performance computing resources, robotics and neuromorphic platforms to researchers.

 

 

 

 

The social side of emotional regulation: Psychophysiological implications

by Dr. Antonio Maffei, Dept. of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padova

When: June 27, 2024, at 3:00 pm

Where: Aula 2C-Psico2 (Building PSICO2, Via Venezia 12, Padova)

Abstract: The dominant approach to the study of emotions and affective processes does not typically take into account that affective reactions are constantly shaped by the presence of others. Additionally, they also shape others’ behavior and emotions. Recently, there has been a growing interest toward devising novel approaches and paradigms to overcome this limitation. A promising area of affective research, where encompassing the social dimension can make an important role, is stress reactivity. In this talk, I will review a series of psychophysiological studies on the processes of social stress buffering and stress contagion, and how these are linked with health and well-being. The goal will be showing how these two processes can be considered as two sides of the same coin, namely emotional co-regulation. Furthermore, I will discuss the significance of interindividual synchronization of physiological markers of stress, such as cortisol and heart rate variability, as a potential objective biomarker of social allostatic load, and how it could be used to quantify emotional co-dysregulation in social groups.

 

2024-06-27 – Antonio MaffeiDownload

Statistical approaches for understanding the brain through electrophysiological data: an overview

Speaker: Dr. Sara Sommariva (University of Genova)

When: 2 May 2024, h. 5:00 pm

Where: 1A150, Torre Archimede

Abstract:

Most brain functions are regulated by intercorrelated electrical currents flowing in few specific brain
areas. Magneto- and electro-encephalography (M/EEG) are two modern neuroimaging techniques
capable of non-invasively recording the electromagnetic field produced outside the scalp by these
neural currents with an outstanding temporal resolution. Interpreting the recorded M/EEG data is not
straightforward and advanced mathematical and statistical techniques are required to estimate the
dynamical brain activity that has generated the measured data. A typical workflow of analysis
consists of two steps: (i) first the active brain regions and their time-courses are estimated by
solving and ill-posed inverse problem (ii) then proper statistical metrics are compute to estimate
functional connectivity, i.e. to quantify the statistical dependencies between the time-courses
reconstructed at different brain locations.
The aim of this talk is to provide some insights on modern statistical tools for facing and optimizing
such a workflow.

2024-05-02 – Sara SommarivaDownload

Interindividual differences in the functional connectome at rest: From personalized approaches to biomarkers of cognitive fitness

by Dr. Arianna Menardi, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova

When: April 11, 2024, at 3:00 pm

Where: Sala Seminari VIMM (Fondazione per la Ricerca Biomedica Avanzata Onlus, Via Orus 2, Padova)

Abstract: The study of the functional connectome allows us to understand the routes of information flow in the brain. When applied to the single subject level, it enables us to map how differences in the region-to-region communication translate into differences in cognitive functioning. In light of this, we are witnessing a shift in the literature, gradually moving from group-level inferences to the study of interindividual differences. Most importantly, the emergence of concepts such as those of Precision Medicine are further pushing the new frontiers in Research towards that of highly individualized protocols in light of the individual clinical-biological makeup. Within this framework, I will present several studies that we have conducted in which the anatomy and functional connectome of the individual were employed to i) personalize stimulation protocols; ii) understand the degree of heritability of the functional connectivity; iii) relate topological efficiency to cognitive fitness. Furthermore, I will overview the importance of resting state activity, challenging its view as solely reflecting baseline activity in the brain, but rather as a biomarker of both high order functioning and pathology, such as in Alzheimer’s Disease.

 

2024-04-11 – Arianna MenardiDownload

New Frontiers for Mitochondrial Medicine

Relatore: Prof. Patrick Chinnery, University of Cambridge, UK

Quando: 9 aprile 2024 dalle ore 17:30

Dove: Aula Magna della Clinica Neurologica

Informazioni utili: L’incontro si articolerà in due parti. Nella prima, dalle ore 16:00 alle 17:00, ci sarà la discussione di casi clinici. Nella seconda, dalle ore 17.30 alle 18.30, ci sarà il seminario.

Ci sarà anche la possibilità di seguire i seminari in streaming (https://unipd.zoom.us/j/88959319767).

2024-04-09 – Patrick ChinneryDownload

Brain connectivity in neurological diseases: A network story

by Dr. Lorenzo Pini, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova

When: March 28, 2024, at 3:00 pm

Where: Sala Seminari VIMM (Fondazione per la Ricerca Biomedica Avanzata Onlus, Via Orus 2, Padova)

Abstract: At rest, our brain never rests. Even in the absence of external input, the brain continues to engage in a variety of intrinsic processes. Several tools can be used to assess this never ending activity, such as resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI). Although vascular in nature, rsfMRI is considered a reliable proxy of the neural activity allowing to unravel the functional organization of the brain, consisting of a hierarchical structure organized into polyfunctional neural networks. This configuration has been termed the “functional connectome”. On the other hand, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) can be used to infer distal and local structural connections between brain regions (the structural connectome), complementing the functional connectome. Recent theories state that this functional and structural scaffold may represent the foundation of cognitive abilities. Brain conditions affecting neural health impact the connectome. Breakdown of connectivity can predict cognitive deficits in a broad range of psychiatric and neurological diseases, reinforcing the assumption that the connectome is a fundamental characteristic of cognitive processes. In this seminar we will discuss the relationship between brain structural functional connections with behavior in several neurological diseases, such as proteinopathies, stroke and brain tumors. By examining how the connectome and several pathophysiological mechanisms interact we can gain valuable insights into the underlying processes that support cognitive abilities. Furthermore, by identifying novel biomarkers through rsfMRI and DWI, we can improve the management and diagnosis of brain disorders, ultimately leading to better treatment outcomes for patients.

 

2024-03-28 – Lorenzo-PiniDownload

Epilessia del lobo temporale

Relatore: Dr. Roberto Mai, Ospedale Niguarda di Milano

Quando: 26 marzo 2024 dalle ore 17:00

Dove: Aula Magna della Clinica Neurologica

Informazioni utili: L’incontro si articolerà in due parti. Nella prima, dalle ore 16:00 alle 17:00, ci sarà la discussione di casi clinici. Nella seconda, dalle ore 17.30 alle 18.30, ci sarà il seminario.

Ci sarà anche la possibilità di seguire i seminari in streaming (https://unipd.zoom.us/j/88959319767).

2024-03-26 – Roberto MaiDownload

Selection notice for the awarding of a position at the Padova Neuroscience Center

Title of the Project

“Cognitive abnormalities in frontotemporal dementia”, P.I. Prof. Angelo Antonini

Purpose of the Research Grant

Funded by the liberal donation by Fondazione Leo Pavan E.T.S, the Research Grant aims at “Cognitive and behavioral assessments in patients with dementia particularly frontotemporal dementia”.

Deadline for submitting applications

5 April 2024 at 1:00 pm CET

Selection Notice

Guidelines for Submitting Applications

Decree of Acts Approval and Ranking

Funzioni dei lobi frontali: dallo studio di lesioni focali alla connettomica

Relatore: Prof. Antonino Vallesi, Università degli Studi di Padova

Quando: 19 marzo 2024 dalle ore 17:30

Dove: Aula Magna della Clinica Neurologica

Informazioni utili: L’incontro si articolerà in due parti. Nella prima, dalle ore 16:00 alle 17:00, ci sarà la discussione di casi clinici. Nella seconda, dalle ore 17.30 alle 18.30, ci sarà il seminario.

Ci sarà anche la possibilità di seguire i seminari in streaming (https://unipd.zoom.us/j/88959319767).

2024-03-19 – Antonino-VallesiDownload

Multimodal Brain Connectivity: An integrative view

Speaker: Prof. Alessandra Bertoldo (Padova Neuroscience Center, Department of Information Engineering)

When: 14 March 2024, h. 5:00 pm

Where: 1A150, Torre Archimede

Abstract: Multimodal brain connectivity is a burgeoning field within neuroscience that delves into the intricate interplay between different brain regions and networks through various imaging modalities. This approach offers a comprehensive understanding of the brain’s functional, metabolic, molecular and structural organization, shedding light on its complex dynamics and providing valuable insights into both healthy and pathological states. Traditional methods such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) have been instrumental in mapping functional connectivity, revealing synchronized activity patterns among spatially distinct brain areas. However, these modalities only offer a partial view of the brain’s intricate wiring. To overcome this limitation, researchers have turned to multimodal approaches, which integrate data from multiple imaging techniques, EEG, diffusion magnetic imaging, positron emission tomography (PET), and magnetoencephalography (MEG). By combining complementary information from these modalities, scientists can construct a more comprehensive picture of brain connectivity, capturing both functional and structural aspects across different spatial and temporal scales. However, multimodal brain connectivity analysis poses mathematical challenges in integrating diverse data types and developing robust computational models to unravel the brain’s complex network dynamics accurately.

2024-03-14 – Alessandra BertoldoDownload

Moderne tecniche di neuromodulazione

Relatore: Prof. Alberto Priori, Università degli Studi di Milano

Quando: 12 marzo 2024 dalle ore 17:30

Dove: Aula Magna della Clinica Neurologica

Informazioni utili: L’incontro si articolerà in due parti. Nella prima, dalle ore 16:00 alle 17:00, ci sarà la discussione di casi clinici. Nella seconda, dalle ore 17.30 alle 18.30, ci sarà il seminario.

Ci sarà anche la possibilità di seguire i seminari in streaming (https://unipd.zoom.us/j/88959319767).

2024-03-12-Alberto-PrioriDownload

Settimana Mondiale del Cervello 2024: One brain, one health

When: March 11, 2024, and March 14-15, 2024

Where: Archivio Antico, Palazzo Bo (March 11 and 14), and Sala dei Giganti, Palazzo Liviano, Padova (March 15)

Abstract: All’interno della “Brain Awareness Week”, ricorrenza annuale dedicata a sollecitare la pubblica consapevolezza nei confronti della ricerca sul cervello, l’Università di Padova propone una serie di iniziative che esplorano il funzionamento del cervello, con particolare attenzione a tre temi principali: “Arte e cervello” (Palazzo del Bo, 11 marzo, ore 17), “Cervello sano e cervello malato: prevenzione e intercettazione dei primi sintomi” (Palazzo del Bo, 14 marzo, ore 17) e “Il cervello plastico” (Sala dei Giganti, 15 marzo, ore 10).

 

Link alla notizia su “ilbo live”

Settimana Mondiale del Cervello 2024 – Flyer
Settimana Mondiale del Cervello 2024 – Brochure

Recovery after stroke: present and future perspective

Relatore: Prof. Nick Ward, University College London, UK

Quando: 5 marzo 2024 dalle ore 17:30

Dove: Aula Magna della Clinica Neurologica

Informazioni utili: L’incontro si articolerà in due parti. Nella prima, dalle ore 16:00 alle 17:00, ci sarà la discussione di casi clinici. Nella seconda, dalle ore 17.30 alle 18.30, ci sarà il seminario.

Ci sarà anche la possibilità di seguire i seminari in streaming (https://unipd.zoom.us/j/88959319767).

2024-03-05 – Nick WardDownload

Nodo e paranodopatie: dieci anni dopo

Relatore: Prof. Antonino Uncini, Università “G. d’Annunzio” di Chieti-Pescara

Quando: 27 febbraio 2024 dalle ore 17:30

Dove: Aula Magna della Clinica Neurologica

Informazioni utili: L’incontro si articolerà in due parti. Nella prima, dalle ore 16:00 alle 17:00, ci sarà la discussione di casi clinici. Nella seconda, dalle ore 17.30 alle 18.30, ci sarà il seminario.

Ci sarà anche la possibilità di seguire i seminari in streaming (https://unipd.zoom.us/j/88959319767).

2024-02-27 – Antonino UnciniDownload