Magnetoencephalography Lab

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a non-invasive imaging technique for the study of human brain functions. It records magnetic fields generated by neuro-electric activity of the brain. The fields which are recorded in the vicinity of the head are extremely low and require very sensitive sensors. The sensors relying on effects of quantum physics are cooled down to a temperature of -270 °C in order to reach superconductivity. Environmental magnetic noise is suppressed by measuring the brain activity inside a magnetically shielded room. MEG is used in neuroscience for fundamental research and clinical applications.

Since May 2009 a 306 channel MEG system is installed at the Center of Mind/Brain Sciences of the University of Trento. The system permits simultaneous recording of MEG and EEG. EEG can be measured at up to 128 electrodes. The lab is equipped with visual, auditory, tactile and electrical stimulators allowing for a wide range of neuroscientific studies. Also an eye-tracking system is available to measure eye gaze positions concurrently to the recordings of brain activity. The MEG-system can be used in sitting and supine position. Co-registration with anatomical and functional imaging results from MRI and TMS is possible.

Since the start of the lab a variety of experiments has been performed. Research topics include the formation of mental concepts, language processing, sensorimotor integration, interhemispheric interactions and neuronal mechanisms of perception.

Staff

Lab director: Christoph Braun (Coordination, scientific consulting, strategic planning).
Technicans: Gianpaolo Demarchi (MEG-Lab manager)
Gianpiero Monittola (MEG operator)  

Wiki homepage of the MEG lab