One Research Grant position

One research grant position has been opened (see details below) in the context of the following project:

Title of the project

Eye movements and brain dynamics in Alzheimer’s disease: the impact of smart natural environments

Interviews date:

August 6th, 2020 10:00 – Europe/Brussels

Application deadline

16/07/2020 23:59 – Europe/Brussels

Abstract of the project

The purpose of this research grant, which is funded by the European Community (Project’s title: “Visionary Nature Based Actions For Health, Wellbeing & Resilience In Cities – VARCITIES”) is to fund research into:

“The grant holder will have to study the eye movements, the physiological signals (EEG, pupillometry, etc.) and the cognitive correlates in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. He must therefore have documented skills in the analysis of these signals and mastery of statistical methods such as univariate and multivariate models, dimensional reduction techniques, and a knowledge of machine learning algorithms (i.e., machine learning). The grant holder will also be involved in the selection of participants, therefore experience in clinical neuropsychology and neuropsychological assessment techniques are required. As part of the project, these skills will be used to study the interaction between brain dynamics, eye movements and cognition, using wearable devices for a more ecological detection of anomalies in patients. The grant holder will also have to evaluate the impact of a smart environment (a smart garden) on the physiological and behavioral measures detected”.

[ Research Grant announcement ] – [ Avviso di selezione ]

[ Application Form ] – [ Domanda di partecipazione ]

[Decreto approvazione atti e graduatoria]

Two Post-doctoral Fellowship Positions

Prof. Maurizio Corbetta is looking for 2 (two) highly motivated post-doctoral students to work on the CARIPARO project titled: “The brain’s dark energy: observation, perturbation, and disruption studies of brain networks to understand cognition and stroke recovery”.

Decreto approvazione atti e graduatoria provvisoria

Interviews date:

August 6th, 2020 11:00 – Europe/Brussels

Application deadline

31/07/2020 23:59 – Europe/Brussels

Abstract of the project

The human brain is one of the most complex networks with 80 bilions cells (neurons, glia) interacting through hundreds of trillions of connections to support consciousness, thought, emotions, and survival. One of the main factors limiting complex networks, from airport nets to colonies of ants, is the energy necessary to maintain their organization. Surprisingly, in the brain, most of the energy (~75%) is not spent on active behavior, but in maintaining the status quo, i.e. its intrinsic organization. The mechanisms behind this huge metabolic expenditure are largely unknown and represent one of the main questions of modern neuroscience.
Some theories posit that the so called ‘brain’s dark energy’ depends on action potentials through glutaminergic transmission in/out of an area, as well as local oscillatory activity. As the metabolic consumption of each neuron is constant across species, the remarkable use in humans of 20% of the body energy by a brain that weights only 2% of body mass is explained mainly by its large number of neurons/connections.
However, this theory is based on theoretical calculations. We propose an experimental strategy to first observe in the living human brain whether there exists a lawful relationship between energy consumption measured by the intracellular phosphorylation of glucose, and the number of neurons, indirectly measured through tissue microstructure, number of connections, oscillatory activity, and synchronization. Next, we propose to perturb neuronal communication by stimulating non-invasively brain regions that have higher/lower metabolism. Finally, we will study how this organization is affected by focal lesions (stroke, tumors). Overall these studies will advance fundamental knowledge on the relationship between brain systems organization, energy, and behavior. They will also provide clinically relevant information for developing novel interventions in circuit-based brain disorders (stroke, trauma, epilepsy).

Minimum qualifications are a doctoral degree in bioengineering, computer sciences, physics, medicine, physiology, or psychology. The ideal candidate should be proficient in programming, such as Matlab, Phyton, C++. Expertise in one or more of the following fields is required: PET-FDG, fMRI, DTI, EEG/MEG, and/or TMS. The candidate will work as part of a multidisciplinary group active in the field of quantitative imaging and will use state of the art PET/MR images and high-density EEG 256 channels data.
Knowledge in multivariate statistics is desirable.

Additional requirements include high self-motivation and ability of solving research problems independently.

[ Postdoc Position announcement ] – [ Avviso di selezione ]

[ Application Form ] – [ Domanda di partecipazione ]

Translational Neuroscience: From Network Theory To Personalized Medicine

by prof. Viktor Jirsa, Institut de Neurosciences, Aix-Marseille Universitè

When: June 18th, 2020 – 3:00 pm

Where: Zoom meeting

Abstract: Over the past decade we have demonstrated that the fusion of subject-specific structural information of the human brain with mathematical dynamic models allows building biologically realistic brain network models, which have a predictive value, beyond the explanatory power of each approach independently. Here we illustrate the workflow along the example of epilepsy: we reconstruct personalized connectivity matrices of human epileptic patients using Diffusion Tensor weighted Imaging (DTI).

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Research Grant program in bio-optics

A call for admission to a Research Grant in bio-optics, microscopy, nano-optics (curriculum in physics, biotechnologies, materials science, biophysics) is open at the group of Nanodevices of Dept. of Physics and Astronomy.

Title of the project

Two photon microscopy for the study of tissue recellularization.

Abstract of the project

The innovative branch of Regenerative Medicine intends to restore the physiological function of damaged or diseased tissues by stimulating repair processes. The grant is proposed within the framework of LIFE LAB that is a large interdisciplinary project that aims at regenerating whole organs, such as the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys as well as by reconstructing tissues. The successful candidate will develop microscopy and nanoscopy focused to characterization of the basic processes of recellularization. He/she will have carry out experiments of two photon microscopy (multiphotonic techniques, in the second third harmonic) and super resolution microscopy (STED) for the three-dimensional study of biological samples, combining fluorescence and Label free markings, using biochemical sample reparation
treatments. The candidate will also develop an optical layout capable of working inside the range of visible and near infrared for super-resolution optical microscopy.

We are looking for highly motivated enthusiastic and passionate candidates with strong analytical skills and desire to learn.

For any further information please contact:

Prof. Filippo Romanato
Dept. of Physics and Astronomy
Tel. +390498277081
Mobile +393883067420
Email. filippo.romanato@unipd.it
http://groups.dfa.unipd.it/nanodevices/index.html

Biophysical investigation of the molecular pathogenesis of CMT1X neuropathy

by prof. Mario Bortolozzi, Physics and Astronomy Dept., Padova

When: June 4th, 2020 – 3:00 pm

Where: Zoom meeting

Abstract: Mutations of connexin 32 (Cx32) protein cause the X-linked form of Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT1X), a demyelinating peripheral neuropathy for which there is no cure. A growing body of evidence indicates that ATP release through Cx32 hemichannels in Schwann cells could be critical for nerve myelination, but it is unknown if CMT1X mutations alter the physiological mechanism that controls Cx32 hemichannel opening and ATP release.

Our study uncovered a link between CMT1X and Cx32 hemichannel dysfunction, suggesting a candidate peptide for treating the disease caused by the R220X mutation of Cx32. The investigation was carried out by a combination of in vitro fluorescence optical microscopy combined with patch clamp and in silico numerical simulations.

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Visuomotor control and visual place learning in flies

by prof. Aram Megighian, Dep. of Biomedical Science, Padova

When: May 28th, 2020 – 3:00 pm

Where: Zoom meeting

Abstract: Navigation plays a key role in organisms adaptive behavior. An adequate response to environmental stimuli, is fundamental for supporting food search, social interactions and mating, all of them step physiological mechanisms from the evolutionary point of view.

The lecture will talk about visuomotor responses and place learning studies in flies made in our and other laboratories combining sophisticated quantitative behavioral techniques, fly genetic tools and optogenetics.

Locandina_MegighianDownload

A Rational Framework for Studying Neurorehabilitation Interventions

by prof. Nick Ward, Institute of Neurology, UCL Queen Square

When: May 21th, 2020 – 2:30 pm

Where: Zoom meeting

Abstract: Stroke is the most common cause of neurological disability in the world. In the UK alone, there are more people living with the consequences of stroke than with dementia (1.2M vs 0.85M) with an estimated annual cost of £26B. Stroke is still considered a single incident disease with most resources targeted to the first few hours, days or weeks after onset.

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One position for a postdoctoral fellowship

One position for a postdoctoral fellowship has been opened (see details below) in the context of the following project:

Title of the project

Multi-variate analysis of resting state activity and visually evoked response to natural stimuli to map the representation of information in intrinsic brain activity

Application deadline

13/07/2020 23:59 – Europe/Brussels

Abstract of the project

This project aims to understand whether multivariate spatial patterns of activity measured with fMRI evoked by natural visual stimuli (e.g. faces, bodies, etc.) or by movie stimuli are also represented in multi-variate spatial patterns of resting-state activity. Previous work from the PI lab has shown that in object selective category regions of visual cortex (e.g. FFA), resting state activity multi-vertex patterns correlate more strongly, and more frequently, with category selective multi-vertex evoked activity patterns for the specialized. category (e.g. faces) as compared to other categories (e.g. bodies). In this project, we plan to extend this analysis to the whole brain to other regions like the superior temporal gyrus and the posterior parietal cortex that code for these stimuli. In addition, we plan to test the same hypothesis in a set of movies where the semantic information has been coded frame-by-frame. These studies will test the hypothesis that spontaneous activity patterns do not represent only interregional interactions but also information states that cycle through cortex. Similar experiments could be run with hd-EEG

[ Postdoc Position announcement ] – [ Avviso di selezione ]

[ Application Form ] – [ Domanda di partecipazione ]

Decreto approvazione atti e graduatoria

Multitasking reveals impaired spatial awareness after stroke

by prof. Mario Bonato, Dep. of General Psychology, Padova

When: May 14th, 2020 – 3:00 pm

Where: Zoom meeting

Abstract: In everyday life contexts sometimes we manage to attend multiple sources of information without particular effort. Sometimes, however, performing two or more tasks together becomes very difficult, like for instance if we have to drive a car in a foggy day while paying attention to a debate on the radio. In these conditions our attention is loaded and we perform what is called “multitasking”.

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Mesoscale connectivity changes after stroke and novel mouse models

by prof. Timothy Murphy, Dept. of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia

When: May 7th, 2020 – 3:00 pm

Where: Zoom meeting

Abstract: New approaches to real-time assessment and closed-loop feedback based on behavioral features or brain activity will be discussed in the lecture that are designed to optimize stroke recovery interventions in mice for insight into better approaches for human recovery.

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The Primary Motor Cortex Seen by a Neurosurgeon: an Anatomical and Functional Appraisal

by Consultant Neurosurgeon PhD. Francesco Vergani, King’s College Hospital, London

When: February 20th, 2020 – 3:00 pm

Where: VIMM Seminar Hall

Abstract: Knowledge of the anatomical and functional relationship between brain tumours and surrounding cortical and subcortical structures is essential in neuro-oncology when planning overall treatment and surgical approach. This is particularly true for tumours in close relationship
to the primary motor cortex and the corticospinal tract (CST), where surgery carries the risk of inducing a permanent motor deficit.

The present review focuses on different aspects of the motor network.

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Bridging Neuroscience and Neuroimaging Research to Clinical Practice in Anorexia Nervosa

by prof. Angela Favaro, Dept. of Neuroscience, University of Padova

When: February 6th, 2020 – 3:00 pm

Where: VIMM Seminar Hall

Abstract: Research in the field of neuroimaging, connectomics and neuropsychology is growing in the field of eating disorders.

In this presentation, I will review the recent advances of neuroscience research conducted by our group of research with a particular attention to those aspects that have direct or indirect clinical implications.

Locandina_FavaroDownload

Functional Alignment of fMRI Exploiting Prior Information

by prof. Livio Finos, Dept. of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padova

When: January 30th, 2020 – 3:00 pm

Where: VIMM Seminar Hall

Abstract: Multi-subject functional Magnetic Resonance Image (fMRI) studies are critical to test the validity of findings across subjects. However, the anatomical and functional structure varies across subjects, hence the image alignment is a fundamental step. One anatomical alignment is the Talairach Atlas, thus, it doesn’t account for functional topography. For that, Haxby et al. (2011) developed a functional approach called Hyperalignment, using sequential Procrustes orthogonal transformations. The inter-subject classification of functional response is improved. However, any constraint isn’t imposed to the transformation, losing results interpretability.

In this presentation, functional connectivity-related phenotypes associated with the risk for the disorders, their modulation by genetic variation and treatment will be discussed.

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Imaging and Stimulating Adaptive Brain Plasticity

by prof. Heidi Johansen-Berg, Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford

When: January 23rd, 2020 – 3:00 pm

Where: VIMM Seminar Hall

Abstract: Animal studies show that the adult brain shows remarkable plasticity in response to learning or recovery from injury. Non-invasive brain imaging techniques can be used to detect systems-level structural and functional plasticity in the human brain.

This talk will focus on how brain imaging has allowed us to monitor healthy brains learning new motor skills, to assess how brains recover after damage, such as stroke, and how they adapt to change, such as limb amputation.

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Dynamics of Brain networks in Psychosis: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment

by prof. Fabio Sambataro, Dept. of Neuroscience, University of Padova

When: January 16th, 2020 – 3:00 pm

Where: VIMM Seminar Hall

Abstract: Psychoses are the most severe and devastating psychiatric disorders that cut through the classical nosological categories and include schizophrenia spectrum disorders as well as affective disorders. Genetic and environmental factors have been associated with their etiology, but their pathophysiology is still unknown. Neuroimaging studies have investigated structural and functional changes associated with the risk for these disorders along with their treatment response.

In this presentation, functional connectivity-related phenotypes associated with the risk for the disorders, their modulation by genetic variation and treatment will be discussed.

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A Note on the Use of Topic Modeling and Deep Learning to Advance Information Retrieval

by prof. Massimo Melucci, Dept. of Information Engineering, University of Padova

When: January 9th, 2020 – 3:00 pm

Where: VIMM Seminar Hall

Abstract: Information Retrieval (IR) is the complex of theories, models, and technologies aiming to retrieve relevant information to user’s information needs. IR has recently made significant advances in understanding the content of multimedia documents and user queries.
In this talk, I’ll illustrate some noticeable advances, in particular, how topic modeling helps understand content and how the use of deep learning helps overcome some obstacles.

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“Cervello, una questione di connessioni”

Prof. Maurizio Corbetta’s interview on “Newton” tv magazine.

Along with host Davide Coero Borga and his guests to explore main points of scientific knowledge and find out what research is still investigating. On this episode prof. Maurizio Corbetta talks about the brain.

“What we know is a drop, what we don’t know is an ocean.”

Isaac Newton

See the full episode here: https://www.raiplay.it/video/2020/02/Newton-Cervello-una-questione-di-connessioni-a4bf5d00-c203-4e6b-a0f6-fae00be89b13.html

Memristive synapses connect brain and silicon spiking neurons

“Brain function relies on circuits of spiking neurons with synapses playing the key role of merging transmission with memory storage and processing. Electronics has made important advances to emulate neurons and synapses and brain-computer interfacing concepts that interlink brain and brain-inspired devices are beginning to materialise. We report on memristive links between brain and silicon spiking neurons that emulate transmission and plasticity properties of real synapses.”

See the full article here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-58831-9

Parkinson, Bruno Mastrotto dona 154 mila euro per la ricerca

(Italian version only) Angelo Antonini, Università di Padova: «Grazie a questo finanziamento potremo combattere il declino cognitivo nel Parkinson con un nuovo strumeno che modula le alterazioni cerebrali attraverso la stimolazione elettrica. Questo ci consentirà di fare passi importanti verso il miglioramento della cura e della qualità della vita nei nostri pazienti»

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