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My research group applies translational approaches 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. If you would like to join the team contact me.
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overview research topics
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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 novel non-parametric and threshold-free software package called LISA to address this demand. 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]
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 novel non-parametric and threshold-free software package called LISA to address this demand. 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]
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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]
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]
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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 showed using 7 Tesla MRI that similar boundaries also exist in the human brain. 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]
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 showed using 7 Tesla MRI that similar boundaries also exist in the human brain. 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]
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