MEGIN Masterclass
MEG in Translational Neuroscience: Present and Future Applications
Presented by Professor Peter Uhlhaas.
Abstract: “Magnetoencephalography (MEG) provides noninvasive measurements of fluctuations in the excitability of neuronal populations with high temporal resolution. Because of its potential in delineating normal and abnormal brain dynamics, I will propose that MEG provides a crucial tool to advance our understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms of major neuropsychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia. I will summarize the mechanisms underlying the generation of MEG signals and the tools available to reconstruct generators and underlying networks using advanced source-reconstruction techniques. I will then surveyed recent studies that have used MEG to examine aberrant rhythmic activity in schizophrenia and emerging psychosis, followed by links with preclinical research that has highlighted possible neurobiological mechanisms, such as disturbances in excitation/inhibition parameters, that could account for measured changes in neural oscillations. Finally, I will discuss challenges as well as novel methodological developments, such as novel Optically Pumped Magnetometers, that could pave the way for widespread application of MEG in translational research with the aim of developing biomarkers for early detection and diagnosis as well as stratification of patient populations.”
Bio: Peter Uhlhaas obtained a BSc and PhD in Psychology from the University of Stirling, Scotland. He was a visiting researcher at Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York (2001-2002), before joining the Department of Neurophysiology (Head: Prof. Wolf Singer), Max-Planck Institute (MPI) for Brain Research in Frankfurt, Germany. At the MPI, he became a group leader in 2006, investigating the neurophysiology of cognitive dysfunctions in schizophrenia. Peter joined the Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, in 2012 where he was a principal investigator at the Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging. He has published over 120 articles in internationally high-ranking journals (Nature Rev Neuroscience, Neuron, PNAS, JAMA Psychiatry). In 2019, he became Professor for Early Detection and Diagnosis of Mental Disorders at the Department of Child and Adolescent Pschiatry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin. In addition to his scientific training, he is also a trained and board-certified psychotherapist and clinical psychologist. His research interests include cognitive and neurophysiological aspects of schizophrenia, multi-modal neuroimaging (EEG/MEG/MRI), brain development during adolescence, early intervention in psychosis as well as E-mental health. Current research projects are supported by the Medical Research Council, Einstein Foundation, German Research Foundation and Wellcome Trust.
*The MEGIN Masterclasses content and speakers selected are only for information purposes and MEGIN does not endorse any applications or treatments mentioned.
**TRIUX™ neo is intended to non-invasively record brain activity, and when interpreted by trained physicians, to help localize these active areas. All other applications are scientific research in nature. Please contact MEGIN for further information.