by prof. Gian Michele Ratto, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pisa

When: May 26th, 2022 – 3:00 pm

Where: Sala Seminari at VIMM

Abstract: Living organisms navigate through a cyclic world: activity, feeding, social interactions
are all organized along the periodic daily rhythm synchronized by external environmental cues and
brain function varies markedly through the day. An obvious contributory factor is the large change
in the level of sensory drive from day to night. Less obvious is the degree to which intrinsic
neuronal activity might vary, yet there is abundant clinical data supporting the idea that many
functional neurological and psychiatric conditions have strong diurnal patterns.

by prof. Nicolas Brunel, Duke University

When: June 16th, 2022 – 3:00 pm

Where: VIMM Meeting room

Abstract: Brains have a remarkable ability to store information about the external world, on time scales that range from seconds to the lifetime of an animal. What are the mechanisms by which information is stored in the brain, and how is stored information retrieved from memory? One of the central hypothesis of neuroscience is that information is stored through synaptic plasticity – modifications of synaptic connectivity between neurons. Theoretical models have explored the impact of such synaptic plasticity mechanisms on network dynamics. One scenario, in which synaptic changes are predominantly temporally symmetric, leads to the creation of fixed point attractor states of the dynamics of the network, one for each item stored in memory.

by prof. Andrea Benucci, RIKEN Center for Brain Science – Saitama – Japan

When: April 28th, 2022 – 10:00 am

Where: Zoom meeting. Recording available on Mediaspace

Abstract: In this presentation, I will first introduce the main areas of interest of my laboratory at RIKEN Center for Brain Science. Then, I will focus on a recent work where we examined the plasticity of visual representations in the mouse cortex.

The starting observation for this study is that brain circuits acquire and update computations through the dynamics of recurrently connected neurons. Neuronal connections are plastic but the principles that coordinate cell-to-cell connectivity changes for network-level computations remain largely elusive.

When: Apr 8th, 2022 – starting at 3:00 pm

Where: Aula Magna, Complesso Beato Pellegrino, Padova

Abstract: Nello splendido contesto del Complesso Beato Pellegrino un evento che vedrà la presenza di esponenti della Regione Veneto e dell’EU Quantum Flagship e di Amazon per affrontare insieme la sfida del computer quantistico.

Il Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia (DFA) dell’Università di Padova organizza per il giorno 8 aprile, alle ore 15:00, presso l’Aula Magna del Complesso Beato Pellegrino, il convegno “Padova e la nuova sfida del computer quantistico”, incentrato sul progetto Quantum Computing and Simulation Center (QCSC) del quale il DFA è capofila e coordinatore.

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:

• In presence, Museo “Giovanni Poleni”.
  • Mandatory booking here: https://indico.dfa.unipd.it/event/428/
  • Green Pass required for all attendees
• Live on YouTube: https://unipd.link/AulaRostagniUniPadovaDFA

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.

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.

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.