Neurosciences
In the area of neurosciences, new brain research technologies such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and high-field MRI, combined with innovative simulation devices and behavioural measurement and observation methods in order to achieve a more comprehensive and basic understanding of the interconnections between cognitive, physiological processes and nerve cells and their interconnection. To this end, in particular, joint examinations on plasticity and the functional repair or compensation strategies of our brain are to be used in the process of the development, during the physiological ageing process and for neurological disease processes.
Further work focuses on the provision of a communication method between brain and computer, the Brain-Computer Interface (BCI), for patients with severe damage to the central nervous system and on the neuro feedback, which can be used therapeutically for various disease patterns.
Our research goals
Short- and medium-term research objectives for neurosciences:
- Continuation and expansion of the structural and functional MRT examinations on neuronal plasticity and functional repair/compensation within the framework of the development with expansion to the areas of learning, training cognitive and emotional processes as well as competence maintenance in age and in sick brain processes.
- Accompanying establishment of a brain database through quantitative morphometry by developing and using new quantitative MR morphometrical measurement and analysis methods. Display of functional networks in healthy test persons, for instance in the so-called resting state (over the life cycle) and in comparison with sick cerebral processes.
- Development and evaluation of new rehabilitation techniques based on EEG and fNIRS, in order to treat optimally cognitive and motoric deficits after neurological damage and improving the treatment result.
- Examination of pathogenic mechanisms, which are causally involved in neurologically psychiatric diseases, through translational research on the animal model using genetic, neurophysiological, behavioural and image-providing methods, which have been or are being developed at the three universities in a complementary way and should ultimately open up new pharmacological treatment strategies.
