My Research Group uses translational MR imaging to understand how cortical microstructure links to human brain function in health and disease. We study healthy younger and older adults, people with neurodegenerative diseases and people with mental disorders to understand the neuronal mechanisms that underlie healthy and pathological brain states and their modification. 

overview research topics


lab research at a glance

RESEARCH
The organizational principles of de-differentiated cortical maps
A common model assumes that more 'de-differentiated' topographic maps characterize human aging and link to worse behavior. Here, we use 7 Tesla fMRI im combination with behavioral phenotyping to show that cortical de-differentiation is not the common characteristic of older adults' topographic maps and that specific shifts within the map architecture link to better motor function in older adults. Read the full eLife paper: [link]
TREND
Model the human cortex in 3D
Modeling the human cortex in three dimensions, that is, across the cortical surface and in depth, allows novel and unprecedented insights into brain function in health and disease. Key message: In different cortical layers, different computations take place. 3D models of human cognition allow to understand human brain function in its full complexity. Read the Trends in Cognitive Sciences paper [link] and the associated Nature Reviews Neuroscience paper: [link] 
METHOD
A new computational framework for ultra-high field fMRI
Lack of statistical power and inflated false positive rates have recently been identified as major problems for fMRI analyses. Here, we introduce a new, non-parametric and threshold-free software package called LISA to target this problem. LISA uses a non-linear filter for incorporating spatial context without sacrificing spatial precision. Compared to widely used other methods (e.g., SPM, FLS), LISA boosts statistical power and increases the reliable detection of small activation areas. Key application: The spatial sensitivity of LISA makes it especially suitable for the analysis of fMRI data acquired at ultrahigh field (≥7 Tesla). Read the full Nature Communications paper: [link] 

​+++ IN THE NEWS +++
​
​
​Deutschlandfunk Nova: Körpergedächtnis - Negative Gefühle mit positiven bekämpfen
​
Deutschlandfunk Nova: Wie wir weniger grübeln
​
Volksstimme: Wie Körper und Geist zusammen hängen

Blog: 2021 - ein historisches Jahr für die deutsche Forschung

​Blog: ​Wenn sich das Gehirn selbst zerstört
​
Blog: Warum Altern glücklich macht
​
Blog: Eingebrannt ins Gehirn
​
Blog: ​Die Gene sind nicht alles - Was wir gegen Alzheimer tun können
​
In-Mind: Das Gehirn kann nicht abschalten - Was tun?
​
In-Mind: ​Posteingang(10.098) - Lesen Sie die Signale, die Ihr Körper Ihnen sendet?
KEY-FINDING
Non-afferent topographic maps in human SI
The human primary somatosensory cortex (SI) area 3b has long been believed to code self-perceived (afferent) touch only. We show using 7 Tesla fMRI that feeling touch on the hand and observing touch at another person's hand activates similar fine-grained topographic maps in area 3b and similar inhibitory receptive field interactions. Key insight: Topographic maps in area 3b are also triggered from non-afferent sources. Read the full Journal of Neuroscience and Brain Structure and Function papers: [link] [link]
KEY-FINDING
Septa in the human brain
Monkeys' and rodents' somatosensory cortices are equipped with myelin-poor septa located in input layer 4 that separate adjacent body part representations. We show using 7 Tesla MRI that similar boundaries also exist in the human sensory and motor cortices. Human septa are most pronounced in input and output layers of MI, and in input layers of SI. Key insight: Cortical myelin boundaries separate body part representations in the human brain. Read the full Cerebral Cortex paper: [link] In a follow-up study, we show that septa are a stable feature of the human cortex and do not degenerate with age. Layer-specific iron accumulation but a stable topographic map architecture therefore characterizes human topographic map aging. Read the full preprint:  [link]