(Italian version only) Article on the March 29th edition of “Il Mattino di Padova”
(Italian version only) Interview on “Il Mattino di Padova”, March 29th, 2022
by dr. Valentina Baro, MD, Department of Neuroscience, Padova
When: April 14th, 2022 – 3:00 pm
Where: in-person seminar, Sala Seminari, VIMM. Recording available on Mediaspace
Abstract: The clinical assessment of brain pathologies has been increasingly dependent on advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques in order to infer lesion pathophysiological characteristics, such as hemodynamics, metabolism, and microstructure. Advanced techniques in computed tomography, MRI and positron-emission tomography have further improved the visualisation and localisation of brain pathologies especially in neuro-oncology, providing target definition for various therapeutic modalities. Additional refinements of newer imaging methods, such as MR Spectroscopy, functional MRI, diffusion MRI and diffusion tensor imaging, have allowed a more detailed and accurate definition of tumour features and the relation with eloquent brain tissue.
When: Apr 7th, 2022 – starting at 10:00 am
Where: Sala dei Giganti, Palazzo Liviano, Padova
Abstract: “Le stagioni del cervello” è il tema dell’edizione 2022 della Settimana mondiale del cervello: conoscere come funzione il cervello nelle varie fasi della vita, come proteggerlo fin dalla giovane età e come mantenerlo attivo nell’invecchiamento è una priorità di benessere e salute pubblica.
A Padova il 7 aprile presso la Sala dei Giganti si tiene una giornata dedicata a questi obiettivi: in mattinata viene dedicata attenzione alle fasi evolutive del cervello con interventi educativi sui tics e il loro stigma, sull’impatto della musica nell’allenamento del cervello; a seguire, un momento musicale con studenti, studentesse e docenti.
When: April 5th, 2022 – 6:30 pm
Where:
Abstract: ….da dove vengono i pensieri, le emozioni, e come prendiamo le decisioni che nel piccolo e nel grande determinano la nostra vita? Che cosa sono il senso morale e l’etica? Dove finisce la biologia e dove inizia la cultura?
Per quasi venti secoli i filosofi e gli scienziati localizzarono nel cuore la sede delle attività mentali superiori, ed è solo dalla metà del 1600 che il cervello è considerato il centro delle facoltà intellettive.
by dr. Marco Mainardi, Istituto di Neuroscienze, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche – Pisa
When: March 24th, 2022 – 3:00 pm
Where: Zoom meeting. Recording available on Mediaspace
Abstract: Plasticity of synaptic connections adjusts the signal flow across neural circuits to
support the acquisition and storage of information. Dendritic spines host most excitatory
synapses in the brain and incessantly remodel to meet the computational demands for
acquisition or recall of new episodic memories, or goal-oriented behavioral schemes.
Despite the obvious physiological importance of synaptic plasticity and its implications in
pathological contexts, appropriate tools for the specific analysis of potentiated synapses
are scarce.
by prof. Alessandra Del Felice, Dep. of Neurosciences – University of Padova and prof. Emanuele Menegatti, Dep. of Information Engineering – University of Padova
When: March 17th, 2022 – 3:00 pm
Where: Sala Seminari at VIMM, Via Orus 2b, Padova, Zoom meeting (Recording available on Mediaspace)
Abstract: Robotic devices have seen an increasing uptake in neurorehabilitation, due to the higher intensity and larger therapeutic exercise doses they can provide. More recently, robots have also entered the market as assistive wearable devices – i.e. to enhance or integrate human body performance.
However, the human and the robot are usually considered as two separate entities interacting via a fixed and immutable interface and the robot is seen as a mere actuator of pre-designed motions.
Carola Dell’Acqua and Elisa Dal Bò, both Doctoral students at PNC working with the psychophysiology lab of the Department of General Psychology, have recently published a longitudinal study aimed at examining whether the predictive role of anxiety on the development of pandemic-related post-traumatic stress symptoms was modulated by individual differences in neural activity during the processing of emotional stimuli.
by prof. Marco Cambiaghi, Dep. of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences – University of Verona
When: March 10th, 2022 – 3:00 pm
Where: Zoom meeting. Recording available on Mediaspace
Abstract: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a widely adopted non-invasive brain stimulation technique for the modulation of brain excitability. The direct neuromodulatory effects of tDCS beneath the electrode is considered to extend to nearby as well as distant brain areas, mainly depending on the activation state of the brain before and during stimulation. This is evident in physiological circumstances (e.g. during physical activity) but it is even more marked in pathological conditions (i.e.
by dr. Michele Allegra, Dept. of Physics, University of Padova
When: March 3rd, 2022 – 3:00 pm
Where: Zoom meeting. Recording available on Mediaspace
Abstract: A major goal of applied neuroscience is to understand how to achieve controlled perturbations of brain activity through stimulation or brain-computer interfaces with the aim of investigating brain mechanisms or restoring normal activity patterns in subjects affected by neuropathologies.
In recent years, several authors have proposed to frame this problem within control theory, a well established engineering paradigm to control dynamical systems. In this framework, a model of the autonomous (uncontrolled) dynamics of the system is used to precisely devise external interventions that, in combination with the autonomous dynamics, will steer the system towards desired targets.
