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RESEARCH GROUP
CORTICAL MICROSTRUCTURE IN HEALTH & DISEASE
My research group has the vision to understand how cortical microstructure links to human behavior in health and disease. Ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging at 7 Tesla allows visualizing and investigating the human brain in unprecedented detail. My research group investigates sub-milimeter changes in cortical myelin, cortical iron, functional activation, and functional connectivity in older adults and people with neurodegenerative diseases together with measures of everyday life phenotypes to understand the neuronal mechanisms that underlie healthy and pathological aging. If you would like to join the team contact me.
CORTICAL MICROSTRUCTURE IN HEALTH & DISEASE
My research group has the vision to understand how cortical microstructure links to human behavior in health and disease. Ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging at 7 Tesla allows visualizing and investigating the human brain in unprecedented detail. My research group investigates sub-milimeter changes in cortical myelin, cortical iron, functional activation, and functional connectivity in older adults and people with neurodegenerative diseases together with measures of everyday life phenotypes to understand the neuronal mechanisms that underlie healthy and pathological aging. If you would like to join the team contact me.
overview research topics
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lab research at a glance
NEW
The organizational principles of de-differentiated cortical maps
A common model of cortical aging assumes more 'de-differentiated' cortical maps in older adults that link to worse behavior. Here, we use 7 Tesla MRI to show that older adults' S1 maps are not more de-differentiated then younger adults' S1 maps when looking at standard markers of cortical de-differentiation. Rather, older adults' S1 maps show specific local and global changes that link to precise improvements or impairments in everyday hand use.
Read the full eLife paper: [link]
The organizational principles of de-differentiated cortical maps
A common model of cortical aging assumes more 'de-differentiated' cortical maps in older adults that link to worse behavior. Here, we use 7 Tesla MRI to show that older adults' S1 maps are not more de-differentiated then younger adults' S1 maps when looking at standard markers of cortical de-differentiation. Rather, older adults' S1 maps show specific local and global changes that link to precise improvements or impairments in everyday hand use.
Read the full eLife paper: [link]
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TREND
ERC Starting Grant 2020 on "Body Memory" I received an ERC Starting Grant 2020 to investigate the neuronal basis of stored bodily experiences. This exciting and new research line combines basic research in topographic mapping, cognitive mapping, and 7 Tesla functional magnetic resonance imaging with applied research on patients with psychosomatic symptoms. More info here |
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TREND
Model the human cortex in 3D
In cognitive neuroscience, brain-behaviour relationships are usually mapped onto a two-dimensional cortical sheet. Cortical layers are a critical but often ignored third dimension of human cortical function. In this Trends in Cognitive Sciences article, we explain why modelling the human cortex in three dimensions allows novel and unprecedented insights into the encoding schemes of human cognition. Key message: In different cortical layers, different computations take place. 3D models of human cognition allow to understand human cognition in its full complexity.
Read the full Trends in Cognitive Sciences paper: [link]
Model the human cortex in 3D
In cognitive neuroscience, brain-behaviour relationships are usually mapped onto a two-dimensional cortical sheet. Cortical layers are a critical but often ignored third dimension of human cortical function. In this Trends in Cognitive Sciences article, we explain why modelling the human cortex in three dimensions allows novel and unprecedented insights into the encoding schemes of human cognition. Key message: In different cortical layers, different computations take place. 3D models of human cognition allow to understand human cognition in its full complexity.
Read the full Trends in Cognitive Sciences paper: [link]
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METHOD
A new computational framework for 7T fMRI
One of the principal goals in fMRI is the detection of local activation in the human brain. However, lack of statistical power and inflated false positive rates have recently been identified as major problems. 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), it shows a boost in statistical power and allows a more 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 7T fMRI
One of the principal goals in fMRI is the detection of local activation in the human brain. However, lack of statistical power and inflated false positive rates have recently been identified as major problems. 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), it shows a boost in statistical power and allows a more 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 SI
The human primary somatosensory cortex (SI) has long been believed to only code self-perceived (afferent) touch. 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 SI and similar inhibitory receptive field interactions in SI. Key insight: Topographic maps in S1 can also arise from non-afferent sources.
Read the full papers: [link] [link]
Non-afferent topographic maps in SI
The human primary somatosensory cortex (SI) has long been believed to only code self-perceived (afferent) touch. 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 SI and similar inhibitory receptive field interactions in SI. Key insight: Topographic maps in S1 can also arise from non-afferent sources.
Read the full 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 that separate adjacent body part representations. We showed using 7 Tesla MRI that similar boundaries also exist in the human brain. Human septa seem to be 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 that separate adjacent body part representations. We showed using 7 Tesla MRI that similar boundaries also exist in the human brain. Human septa seem to be 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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