Investigating neural function
- Overview: The School houses several labs devoted to understanding neural correlates of behaviour in both typical and patient populations. There are two EEG systems and an fNIRS system for recording brain activity, in addition to TMS and tACS systems for modulating brain function in order to determine the direct effects on behaviour. Research topics include; the ageing brain, understanding pain processing, visual perception and the effects of nutrition on brain function.
BioSemi 64 Channel EEG System
The unit houses an array of cap sizes, interactive button box and joystick devices with the possibility of integrating with virtual environments.
Main Contact: Dr Jac Billington
Neuroscan EEG System
Main Contact: Dr Jac Billington
MagStim Rapid2 Transcranial Magnetic Stimulator
This brain stimulation device induces a magnetic field that generates electrical impulses in the brain for increasing or decreasing brain activity in neurons positioned underneath the stimulation coil. It is primarily used in the Brain and Behaviour Laboratory for assessing cognitive and motor functioning and induces plasticity within specific brain areas.
Main Contact: Dr Melanie Burke
Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) System (Artinis Ltd, Oxymon)
This system uses light sensitive optodes to record blood oxygenation changes in the surface of the cortex during a range of cognitive and motor tasks. It has a temporal refresh rate of up to 250Hz.
Main Contact: Dr Melanie Burke
Button boxes and touch-screens
These peripherals are used to provide accurate timings (dependent on the temporal resolution of the display screen i.e. up to 120Hz) of responses from participants when performing a range of cognitive and motor tasks.
Main Contact: Dr Melanie Burke
Cognitive/motor testing software (E-prime, Psyctoolbox, Python, Experimental Builder, Matlab and others)
This software generates stimuli and records responses from participants.
Main Contact: Dr Melanie Burke
Mobile EEG System
Main Contact: Dr Faisal Mushtaq
tACS (Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation)
This system can provide a oscillating current at a chosen frequency to interact with the brains natural oscillatory rhythm.
Main Contact: Dr Jac Billington
Polysomnography systems (Embletta MPR and a Morpheus from Micromed)
Our two portable Polysomnography systems measure overnight sleep.
Main Contact: Dr Hannah Nash