March 15, 2023 at 1:00pm GMT

Presented by Sylvain Baillet, PhD

Systems neurophysiology of predictive mechanisms of human perception and cognition

This MEGIN Masterclass webinar presented by Sylvain Baillet, PhD, will discuss, “A difficult research question in systems neuroscience concerns the mechanistic elucidation of information integration by the brain: How do sensory inputs interact with ongoing neural activity? What is the nature of the convergence or tension between external inputs and the mental representations of our environment? How are these mechanisms altered in disease? We recently proposed a model of systems dynamics in hierarchical brain networks based on polyrhythmic oscillatory brain activity. This mechanistic framework implements a generic form of contextual predictive inference of the input signals of brain networks. In essence, this vision is aligned with the principles of perceptual inference, which predict that spontaneous brain activity during wakefulness constantly implements the self’s representation of its environment and the possible consequences of its actions.
Inspired by this framework, I will review a series of neurophysiological data that account for this hypothesis in a diversity of brain functions. In particular, we recently proposed to train artificial neural networks on naturalistic stimuli to produce encoding models of neural activity that account for contextual uncertainty and prediction errors in perception. I will show how we used this approach to reveal the corresponding brain signaling pathways for natural speech processing.

January 23, 2023 1:00PM GMT

Presented by Alexandre Gramfort

Analysing MEG data with MNE-Python and its ecosystem

This webinar presented by Alexandre Gramfort will discuss, “MNE-Python is an academic software package for processing electrophysiological signals and in particular magnetoencephalographic (MEG). It provides a comprehensive solution for data visualisation and annotation, (automatic) data preprocessing, forward modeling (with boundary element models), distributed source imaging (MNE, dSPM), beamforming (LCMV, DICS), time–frequency analysis, non-parametric multivariate statistics and multivariate pattern analysis a.k.a. “decoding”. In this masterclass, Alexandre Gramfort will give an overview on the software and its ecosystem (mne-bids, mne-bids-pipeline etc.) and will present a live analysis demo focussing on applications of machine learning applied to MEG.”

On-Demand Masterclass

OPM Roundtable

Optically Pumped Magnetometer (OPM) based MEG systems – insights and education by field experts

MEGIN would like to invite our community to join a highly regarded panel of scientists and researchers who will explore the status and prospects of OPM-based MEG systems with emphasis on technology, performance and utility. We are delighted to welcome key opinion leaders in this field who will consider advantages and disadvantages of OPMs-based MEG systems compared to SQUID-based MEG systems for both research and clinical use. 

October 20, 2022 4:00PM BST (10:00AM CDT)

Presented by Dr. Christos Papadelis

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in the Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug Resistant Epilepsy

This webinar presented by Dr. Christos Papadelis will discuss, “Non-invasive diagnostic tools, such as magnetoencephalography (MEG) and high-density electroencephalography (HD-EEG), are becoming of high importance in the presurgical evaluation of patients with drug resistant epilepsy (DRE). These tools have different sensitivity profiles for detecting and localizing epileptiform foci. MEG has higher spatial resolution for sources that are tangential to the plane of the cortical surface, but it is almost blind to radially oriented sources and sources from deep brain areas. Contrarily, HD-EEG can detect and localize both radially oriented as well as tangentially oriented sources. Despite their complementary properties, MEG and HD-EEG are rarely recorded simultaneously or analyzed into a combined source imaging solution. In this talk, Dr. Papadelis will talk about the accuracy and clinical utility of combined electromagnetic source imaging in localizing interictal epileptiform discharges and predict surgical outcome in children with DRE.”

*MEGIN does not endorse any applications or treatments mentioned at this event. Agenda may be subject to change.

September 30, 2022 4:00PM BST (10:00AM CDT)

Presented by Dr. Roozbeh Rezaie

Guidelines and practical considerations for language mapping in clinical cohorts using magnetoencephalography (MEG)

This Masterclass presented by Dr. Roozbeh Rezaie will discuss “how since it’s adoption in clinical practice, much progress has been made in developing and optimizing MEG as a non-invasive tool for localizing language-specific cortex and determining hemispheric dominance for language, particularly in the context of surgical management of epilepsy and brain tumors. Here, Dr. Roozbeh Rezaie will review the utility of MEG as an alternative to traditional invasive diagnostic methods often considered as the “gold standard” techniques for identifying language-specific and determining laterality. Subsequently, we will discuss the application of appropriate MEG language-mapping protocols developed to reliably generate spatiotemporal profiles of language activity. In particular, emphasis will be placed on best-practices for executing validated MEG language-mapping paradigms in adult and pediatric populations, in a variety of scenarios. Furthermore, the practical aspects of analyzing MEG language mapping data will be discussed in detail, using clinical case studies, to illustrate the manner in which brain regions supporting linguistic functions are localized and judgements regarding hemispheric dominance are made. The overall objective of this didactic session will be to familiarize interested practitioners with the advantages (and limitations) of MEG as a functional neuroimaging technique for mapping language and, more importantly, serve as a guide for successfully acquiring and interpreting MEG language mapping data, in a clinical context.”

*MEGIN does not endorse any applications or treatments mentioned at this event. Agenda may be subject to change.

June 28, 2022 1:00PM BST/2:00PM CEST/8:00AM EST

Presented by Dr. Stefan Rampp

MEG for presurgical evaluation

This MEGIN Masterclass will be presented by Dr Stefan Rampp discussing “Epileptic seizure of approximately 30% of patients with focal epilepsy cannot be adequately controlled with pharmacotherapy. In such pharmacoresistant cases, epilepsy surgery is a viable therapy option. Depending on the specific etiology, up to 60-80% of patients become seizure free after surgery, although a significant number suffer from recurrent seizures within 2-5 years after the procedure. A deciding factor regarding successful surgery and long-term seizure freedom is the exact localization of the epileptic focus and its relationship to essential functional cortex in the vicinity. With its high sensitivity and accuracy, MEG provides crucial information to tailor epilepsy surgery and ultimately improve postoperative outcomes. The masterclass will provide an overview of the application and impact of MEG focus localization for presurgical evaluation. Current evidence is reviewed, illustrated with case examples and accompanied by recommendations for practical implementation. Furthermore, novel markers of the epileptic network and their potential significance for practical applications are briefly discussed.”

May 26, 2022 2:00PM BST (9:00AM EDT)

Presented by Oscar Ferrante and Ole Jensen

FLUX: A pipeline for MEG analysis supported by code and examples

This MEGIN Masterclass presented by Oscar Ferrante and Ole Jensen will discuss, “While there are several powerful open-source toolboxes developed for MEG analysis, the many options they provide pose a challenge for reproducible research as well as for researchers new to the field. The FLUX pipeline aims to make settings and analyses steps explicit for standard analysis done in clinical and cognitive neuroscience. Specifically, the pipeline includes documented code for MNE Python and FieldTrip as well as a data set to illustrate the steps. The pipeline also provides suggestions for text and parameter settings to be used in publications to improve replicability and facilitate pre-registrations. We expect that the FLUX pipeline will strengthen the field of MEG by providing standardization on the basic analysis steps as well as by supporting training.  

March 17, 2022 8:00AM GMT

Presented by Rik Henson

Using MEG to study healthy and unhealthy ageing

This Masterclass presented by Rik Henson will discuss “the Cambridge Centre for Ageing and Neuroscience’s CamCAN dataset. This is one of the largest open-access datasets, which includes MEG data collected on nearly 700 adults ranging from 18-88 years. We will discuss a study of how age-related slowing of task-related evoked responses in sensory cortices is mediated by changes in both grey-matter and white-matter, and how resting-state MEG reveals age-related changes in brief microstates (lasting a few hundred milliseconds) that relate to cognition. The session will also cover the BioFIND dataset of resting-state MEG data on 324 people, and how MEG offers complimentary information beyond MRI in distinguishing healthy ageing from Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a prodromal state of Alzheimer’s Disease.”

February 25, 2022 2:00PM GMT (08:00AM CST)

Presented by Dr. Saleem Malik

Intricacies and misconceptions of Frontal Lobe Epilepsy

This masterclass presented by Dr. Saleem Malik, “will address the exquisite intricacies of frontal lobe epilepsy, which often can be misdiagnosed as sleep or psychiatric disorder. We shall start with review of peculiarities of craniocerebral anatomy of frontal lobe which represents 40% of total cortical volume. Particular attention will be paid to sub lobar areas which are either buried in cortex or strategically located away from convexity of brain where EEG electrodes are placed. We shall look into why semiological and electrical patterns of frontal lobe epilepsy often lack localizing and lateralizing features, contributing to relatively poor surgical outcomes? We shall review the role of Magnetic Source Imaging and see how higher spatio-temporal resolution of MSI complements Stereo EEG to delineate more accurately three dimension view of seizure propagation. At the end, we shall review few clinical cases and see how MSI is affecting lives of patients in real time.”

January 20, 2022 2:00PM GMT (9:00AM EST)

Presented by BESA

Quantum leap: How hardware and software leaders MEGIN and BESA combined their strengths to streamline MEG analysis

MEG/EEG software pioneers BESA have partnered with MEGIN to bring their advanced software tools and data analysis experience together. For the first time, MEG data acquisition and analysis workflows enable the user to lift the treasures that lie hidden in the MEG signals with ease. This masterclass episode will look beyond the surface of the new epilepsy analysis workflow and discuss some of the innovations that blend into the new user experience.*

*The referred software are works in progress.

December 14, 2021 3:00PM GMT (9:00AM CST)

Presented by Elizabeth Davenport and Sasha Alick Lindstrom

MEG utilization in epilepsy

This Masterclass will be presented by Elizabeth Davenport, Technical Director for the UT Southwestern Magnetoencephalography (MEG) Center of Excellence, and Sasha Alick-Lindstrom, Triple Board Neurologist and Chief Neurophysiologist/Epileptologist for the MEG Program

November 30, 2021 4:00PM GMT (9:00AM MST)

Presented by Dr. Julia Stephen

Understanding how pre- and post-natal exposures influence brain development using MEG

This MEGIN Masterclass presented by Dr. Julia Stephen will discuss how, “the brain develops rapidly throughout gestation and childhood. However, little is known about how pre- and post-natal exposures impact brain development in children. Our work has focused on examining how rearing environment and prenatal exposures impact brain development using MEG. MEG is especially well-suited for studying children across the age range because it is silent and requires minimal participant preparation time. Rearing environment, including socioeconomic status and maternal factors, influences brain development as revealed by delayed evoked responses and altered neural oscillations. These results indicate rearing environment needs to be accounted for in future studies to better understand human brain development in health and disease.”

October 21, 2021 8:00AM BST (4:00PM JST)

Presented by François Tadel

Brainstorm focusing on MEG

This Masterclass will provide an introduction to Brainstorm, an open-source application committed to the analysis of brain recordings (MEG, EEG, fNIRS, ECoG, depth electrodes and multiunit electrophysiology). Brainstorm’s objective is to share user-friendly tools with those using MEG/EEG as an experimental technique. Brainstorm is an approachable application that has an intuitive interface with no programming knowledge required. Following this introduction Masterclass, we aim to provide a deeper dive into Brainstorm’s capabilities at a later date.

September 29, 2021 2:00PM JST (06:00AM BST)

Presented by Fernando Maestú

Functional networks impairment along the process of AD: prediction value and resilience factors

Fernando Maestú will discuss a series of studies, which mainly used MEG to record the resting-state activity and a memory task in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD), and in healthy subjects at preclinical stage or at risk for developing dementia. All these findings together indicate that hyper synchronization of the brain networks could be an excellent non-invasive biomarker for tracking the disease and evaluate interventions.