Research topics
The MEG research at CCNi has a particular focus on the role of neural oscillations during normal and abnormal brain functioning. Specifically, we focus on the involvement of rhythmic activity during perception, language and information processing of social signals, such as faces and voices. Over the last years, CCNi-investigators implemented a number of novel analytic approaches towards these questions based on information-theoretical concepts, i.e. mutual information and decoding approaches.
A second major research area relates to the combination of MEG with brain stimulation and clinical applications. The functional role of neural oscillations is studied through perturbation of rhythmic signatures with TMS/tACS that allow insights into the mechanistic relationship of neural oscillations in behavioural and cognitive functions. Moreover, we believe that studying aberrant neural oscillations in psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia, can provide novel insights into the origin of cognitive and perceptual abnormalities that are at the core of these disorders that can eventually lead to novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions.
Research facilities and equipment
A 4D-Neuroimaging MAGNES 3600 WH MEG system is the centrepiece of the MEG suite at the University of Glasgow. This MEG system features 248 magnetometer sensors that provide full cortical coverage. The MEG position can be easily moved to allow recordings to be made in supine or seated positions. The suite offers a full range of stimulation and measurement devices (besides standard auditory and visual stimulation) including natural tactile stimulation with braille cells, laser stimulation, eye tracking and a 128 channel EEG system.
Location
The MEG suite at the University of Glasgow is situated within the Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging (CCNi) which opened in November 2008. The centre also features a 3T MRi as well as TMS and EEG laboratories.