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]

 

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

Valutazione diagnostica e prognostica del disturbo di coscienza

Relatore: Prof. Anna Estraneo, Fondazione IRCCS Don Carlo Gnocchi di Firenze e di Sant’Angelo dei Lombardi

Quando: 20 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).

2024-02-20 – Anna EstraneoDownload

Bando di selezione PNC2024-02 per il conferimento di n. 1 borsa di ricerca Area: Ingegneria Biomedica

Title of the project: “The brain’s dark energy: observation, perturbation, and disruption studies of brain networks to understand cognition and stroke recovery, Responsabile Scientifico: Prof. Maurizio Corbetta, Area: Ingegneria Biomedica”

Deadline for application: 23 February 2024 at 1:00 p.m. CET.

Selection announcement

Modello CV [italiano]

CV Template [English]

Decree of Acts Approval and Ranking

Bridging the Gap: Integrating Facial Processing and Embodiment Research

by Prof. Paola Sessa, Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padova

When: February 15, 2024, at 3:00 pm

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

Abstract: This presentation delves into the role of embodiment and sensorimotor simulation in processing facial expressions, challenging traditional views with insights from studies on healthy participants and Moebius Syndrome (MBS) patients, who have facial palsy. It begins by emphasizing the evolutionary sophistication of human facial muscles for non-verbal communication and introduces the core and extended systems in the brain responsible for interpreting these expressions. Through a series of experiments, the speaker explores how altered facial mimicry affects perception, awareness, and memory of emotions, revealing nuanced findings that also suggest empathy and alexithymic traits play significant roles. The conclusions advocate for an integrated model of emotion recognition that combines embodiment with cognitive processing/strategies, suggesting that understanding emotion is more complex than previously thought.

2024-02-15 – Paola SessaDownload

Cancer neuroscience of glioma and beyond

Relatore: Prof. Frank Winkler, Department of Neurology, University of Heidelberg

Quando: 13 febbraio 2024 dalle ore 17:30

Dove: online – https://unipd.zoom.us/j/88959319767

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.

2024-02-13 – Frank WinklerDownload

Neuromielite ottica: lo spettro clinico e le prospettive terapeutiche

Relatore: Dr. Paola Perini, Clinica Neurologica, Padova

Quando: 6 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).

2024-02-06 – Paola PeriniDownload

Ruolo diagnostico e terapeutico della TMS nelle malattie neurodegenerative

Relatore: Prof. Alberto Benussi, Università di Brescia

Quando: 30 gennaio 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).

2024-01-30 – Alberto BenussiDownload

Variations in brain structure and cognition: Established findings and implications to psychiatry

Speaker: Prof. Christopher R. Madan, School of Psychology, University of Nottingham

When: 29 January 2024 at 3:00 pm

Where: Sala Seminari VIMM (Via Orus 2, Padova, Building A, Ground Floor)

Abstract: Individuals vary in a myriad of ways. Here I will focus on variations in brain structure and cognition, providing insight into potential new diagnostic markers. Conventional measures of brain structure focus on size (e.g., volume, thickness), without much consideration for shape. I will introduce work showing a measure of shape complexity, fractal dimensionality, has been found to be more sensitive to clinical population differences. Cognitive differences also are evident and can be assessed through biases in memory and mental imagery abilities. These findings inform our approach to psychiatric conditions, offering new avenues for diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies.

2024-01-29-Christopher-MadanDownload

Searching for low-dimensional neural manifolds

Speaker: Dr. Michele Allegra (Padova Neuroscience Center, “Galileo Galilei” Physics and Astronomy Department)

When: 25 January 2024, h. 5:00 pm

Where: 1C150, Torre Archimede

Abstract: Traditionally, the relation between cognition and the brain was understood in terms of neurons performing a sequence of operations on input signals. In recent years, the advent of large-scale neuronal recordings has shifted the focus on movement within representational spaces collectively implemented by neural populations. Geometrically, we can picture these spaces, termed “neural manifolds”, as low-dimensional surfaces in a neural population state space in which each axis represents the activity of one neuron. Modelling movement along the manifold provides a dynamical-system description of neural computation. In this talk, I will provide an introduction to the topic, focusing on how neural manifolds can be characterized and reconstructed from the data by combining geometrical and probabilistic methods.

2024-01-25 – Michele AllegraDownload

La diagnosi e la terapia della malattia di Parkinson nel terzo millennio

Relatore: Prof. Angelo Antonini, Professore ordinario di Neurologia presso il Dipartimento di Neuroscienze dell’Università di Padova

Quando: 23 gennaio 2024 dalle ore 16:00

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).

2024-01-23 – Angelo AntoniniDownload

Physiological and Rehabilitation Outcomes: Gains from Automated Interventions in stroke Therapy (PRO GAIT): Dissemination & Closing event

When: January 26, 2024, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm

Where: Aula Nievo, Palazzo Bo (Via VIII Febbraio, Padova)

Developments in robotics allow people with profound neuromuscular deficits after stroke to walk with assistance (during the gait cycle) using an exoskeleton robot. Integrating a robotic device with individualised user electroencephalography (EEG /electrical activity in the motor areas in the brain) and EMG (muscle) feedback would allow more physiological and targeted gait parameters in response to effort and confer neuroplastic training effects including neuromodulation of temporal and spatial features of gait.

PRO GAIT is funded by Horizon 2020 programme of the European Union

PRO GAIT FlyerDownload

Symposium “Music: Origin, the Brain, and Evolution”

When: November 10, 2023 – starting at 9:00 am

Where: Conservatorio Benedetto Marcello (Sestiere San Marco, Campiello Pisani 2810, Venice)

Abstract: Partendo dal ritrovamento nella Germania sud-occidentale di “flauti” risalenti a circa 40 000 anni fa, ottenuti in generale dalle ossa lunghe delle ali di rapaci, il simposio verterà sulle ragioni che hanno spinto il genere Homo a creare sistemi musicali prima dei graffiti e delle piccole sculture del neolitico. Questo ha dato origine alla cultura musicale, facendone forse la forma più primigenia del pensiero simbolico: il tema dominante è quindi il legame tra il cervello e la musica. Altri due temi d’intervento, altrettanto cruciali, sono: da un lato, stabilire quale delle due specie del genere Homo – i Sapiens e i Neanderthal – abbiano prodotto gli strumenti; dall’altro, identificare le ragioni alla base dell’origine della musica, che è legata all’evoluzione del pensiero: se si correlavano allo sviluppo di specifiche aree cerebrali implicate nella creazione dei suoni, e/o alla sfera emozionale, e/o al progresso del linguaggio.

Gli interventi vedranno la partecipazione di evoluzionisti della specie umana; paleogenetisti interessati all’evoluzione del cervello; musicologi che rintraccino le origini della musica, tra cui musicologi che indaghino sul ruolo ‘bioacustico’ del canto degli uccelli e altri animali; psicologi e neuroscienziati esperti dei meccanismi cerebrali del suono; esperti del linguaggio primitivo. A conclusione della giornata, la musicista Anna Friederike Potengowski terrà un concerto usando un flauto paleolitico restaurato.

Ulteriori informazioni sono disponibili a questo link.

L’evento gratuito ma si richiede la registrazione all’indirizzo accrediti@istitutoveneto.it.

 

Symposium – Music Origin Brain EvolutionDownload

Selection announcement to recruit a Research Technologist at the “Padova Neuroscience Center – PNC”

The University of Padova plans to recruit a Level II Research Technologist by qualifications and examinations at the “Padova Neuroscience Center – PNC” to provide technical-administrative support to the development of scientific research of the PNC, with particular reference to the research project “EBRAINS-Italy: European Brain ReseArch INfrastructureS-Italy”.

Selection Notice

The application form and appendices must be submitted online with the Pica platform at https://pica.cineca.it/unipd/tipologia/pta.

Deadline for application submitting: 17 April 2023 at 2:00 p.m. CET.

Decree of Acts Approval and Ranking

Selection announcement to recruit a Research Technologist at the “Padova Neuroscience Center – PNC”

The University of Padova plans to recruit a Level II Research Technologist by qualifications and examinations at the “Padova Neuroscience Center – PNC” to provide technical-administrative support to the development of scientific research of the PNC, with particular reference to the research project “EBRAINS-Italy: European Brain ReseArch INfrastructureS-Italy”.

Selection Notice

The application form and appendices must be submitted online with the Pica platform at https://pica.cineca.it/unipd/tipologia/pta.

Deadline for application submitting: 7 February 2023 at 2:00 p.m. CET.

Selection notice for the awarding of a Post-Doc position by Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo

Title of the Project

“The brain’s dark energy: observation, perturbation, and disruption studies of brain networks to understand cognition and stroke recovery”, P.I. Prof. Maurizio Corbetta

Purpose of the Research Grant

Funded by Funds Call for Scientific Research of Excellence 2018 of the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo, the purpose of the Research Grant is “To collect data on eye movements and brain imaging (e.g., EEG) in healthy subjects and patients with stroke to understand the relationship between behavior, lesions, cortical dynamics, and brain signals.

The post-doc shall be expert in behavioral experiments (e.g. eye movement recordings, EEG, and fMRI). S/He shall be expert also in signal analysis, and statistical analysis based on univariate and multivariate methods”

Selection Notice

Guidelines for Submitting Applications

Decree of Acts Approval and Ranking

How can a single neuron influence behavior? Hints from integrate-and-fire network models

by dr. Davide Bernardi, Center for Translational Neurophysiology of Speech and Communication @ Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (Ferrara, Italy)

When: October 6th, 2022 – 3:15 pm

Where: Sala Seminari, VIMM. Recording available on Mediaspace

Abstract: There is increasing experimental evidence that the activity of single cortical neurons can make a difference to the brain. One particularly striking example is that rats can be trained to respond to the stimulation of a single cell in the barrel cortex. It is not clear how this finding can be reconciled with the usual textbook view that only large neuronal populations can reliably encode information, as is often argued on the basis of the large noise and chaotic dynamics of cortical networks. This talk shows how this problem can be framed theoretically by studying the stimulation of a single neuron in a large random network of integrate-and-fire neurons. In this model, chaotic noise-like fluctuations arise naturally from the combination of spiking dynamics and the random interactions.

A combination of numerical simulations and analytical calculations demonstrates how a simple readout strategy can be used to detect the single neuron stimulation in the activity of a readout subpopulation. Furthermore, I will discuss how a second integrate-and-fire network can perform the readout in a way that is both more realistic and more efficient. In the final part, I will argue how such a readout network, tuned to approximate a differentiator circuit, can detect the single-neuron stimulation in a more biologically detailed model. Most importantly, the effect size does not depend appreciably on the duration or intensity of a constant stimulation, whereas the response probability increases significantly upon injection of an irregular current, in agreement with experimental findings.

Taken together, these results hint at a possible general readout strategy: feed-forward and recurrent inhibitory synapses ensure both the macroscopic stability and the sensitivity to single-neuron perturbation through a selective imbalance in the topological (spatial) and temporal sense.

Short bio: Born in Padova, Davide Bernardi obtained a diploma as a cellist at the Conservatorio di Musica di Padova and a B.A. in physics at the University of Padova. After spending several years as a chamber music and orchestra player, he continued his studies at the Freie Universität Berlin (Germany), where he graduated in physics. As a member of the graduate school “Sensory computation in neural systems” based at the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, he achieved a PhD in theoretical physics at the Humboldt University of Berlin with highest distinction (summa cum laude). He currently holds a Post-Doc position at the Center for Translational Neurophysiology of Speech and Communication hosted by the Italian Institute of Technology and the University of Ferrara.

flyer-bernardi_06_10Download

A novel multi-class logistic regression algorithm to reliably infer network connectivity from cell membrane potentials

by dr. Thierry Nieus, Università degli Studi di Milano

When: October 6th, 2022 – 2:30 pm

Where: Sala Seminari, VIMM. Recording available on Mediaspace

Abstract: In neuroscience, the structural connectivity matrix of synaptic weights between neurons is one of the critical factors determining the overall function of a network of neurons. The mechanisms of signal transduction have been intensively studied at different time and spatial scales and at both the cellular and molecular level. While a better understanding and knowledge of some basic processes of information handling by neurons has been achieved, little is known about the organization and function of complex neuronal networks. Experimental methods are now available to simultaneously monitor neural activities from a large number of sites in real time.

Here, we present a methodology to infer the connectivity of a population of neurons from their voltage traces.

At first, spikes and putative synaptic events are detected. Then, a multi-class logistic regression is used to fit the putative events to spiking activities. The fit is further constrained, by including a penalization term that regulates the sparseness of the inferred network. The proposed weighted Multi-Class Logistic Regression with L1 penalization (MCLRL) was benchmarked against data obtained from in silico network simulations.

MCLRL properly inferred the connectivity of all tested networks (up to 500 neurons), as indicated by the Matthew correlation coefficient (MCC), already with small samples of network activity (5 to 10 seconds). Then, we tested MCLRL against different conditions, that are of interest in concrete applications. First, MCLRL accomplished to reconstruct the connectivity among subgroups of neurons randomly sampled from the network. Second, the robustness of MCLRL to noise was assessed and the performances remained high (0.95) even in extremely high noise conditions (95% noisy synaptic events). Third, we devised a data driven procedure to gather a proxy of the optimal penalization term, thus envisioning the application of MCLRL to experimental data. The proposed approach is ideally suited for populations recordings, where spikes and post-synaptic recordings can simultaneously be recorded (e.g. genetic encoded voltage indicators). Yet, the main message here is that a small fraction (5%) of genuine synaptic events is sufficient to properly infer the underlying connectivity of a network.

Short bio: Thierry Nieus earned a PhD in Applied Mathematics in 2004 working on computational models of neuronal cells. During his PhD he spent a period abroad in Belgium and France collaborating at the EU projects Cerebellum and Spikeforce. He used information theory tools to quantify the processing of the inputs by in silico and experimentally recorded neural cells. At the fall of 2006, he moved to the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) working on detailed models of synaptic dynamics. At the IIT he also started working on designing data analysis pipelines to process large scale recordings of brain tissues gathered with cutting-edge technologies. During his stay at the IIT he has acquired a good knowledge of the cellular and sub-cellular processes determining neuron’s activities, of the mathematical and computational approaches used for modeling and of the machine learning, graph theory and information theory tools to investigate the underlying computation. In 2016, he moved to the iTCF laboratory headed by Marcello Massimini (Università degli Studi di Milano – Italy) working on entropy based measures to quantify the complexity of brain signals in humans. He also brought these measures to cell culture networks, cerebellar brain slices and computational models. He has a longstanding experience in teaching computational neuroscience, computer programming and data analysis tools to undergraduate and PhD students. He also supervised the research activity of 4 PhD students. At the fall of 2021, he moved to the HPC Indaco Unitech (Università degli Studi di Milano – Italy), where he is involved in teaching the basics of HPC as well as in data science and neuroscience projects with private companies and research groups.

flyer-nieus_06_10Download

Science4All 2022

Promossa dall’Università di Padova, la manifestazione Science4All è rivolta a tutta la cittadinanza e mira a comunicare la scienza in modo semplice e divertente con eventi a libero accesso.

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Selection notice for the awarding of a Post-Doc position by Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo

Title of the Project

“The brain’s dark energy: observation, perturbation, and disruption studies of brain networks to understand cognition and stroke recovery”, P.I. Prof. Maurizio Corbetta

Purpose of the Research Grant

Funded by Funds Call for Scientific Research of Excellence 2018 of the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo, the purpose of the Research Grant is “To collect data on eye movements and brain imaging (e.g., EEG) in healthy subjects and patients with stroke to understand the relationship between behavior, lesions, cortical dynamics, and brain signals.

The post-doc shall be expert in signal analysis, especially eye movement recordings, EEG, and MRI, and statistical analysis based on univariate and multivariate methods.”

Selection Notice

Guidelines for Submitting Applications

Decree of Acts Approval and RankingDownload