Basic Research

Our basic research is conducted in the broad field of human physiology with the main focus on the brain and mind. Brain and mind research being a multidisciplinary and integral area is central in many biological and medical studies.

The main "instrument" that we use in our studies is quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG). This choice is based on the facts that it is at the same time fast, non-invasive, painless and precise measure of brain functional activity. The intimate, dynamic structure of this activity is information-rich about the underlying cellular and intercellular processing, brain physiological, cognitive and mental functions and resources, brain states and conditions. EEG, from one hand, reflects functional brain state which comprises dynamical processes, and from another hand, EEG may causally modify the functional architecture of the cortex thus affecting brain and body activity.

qEEG is an exceptional tool for studying the neurocognitive processes underlying human behavior, cognition and consciousness because:

it has a very high temporal resolution that is compatible with dynamics of cognitive processes. It captures the physiological changes underlying the cognitive processes much better than other brain imaging techniques (such as fMRI or PET scanners);

it directly measures neural activity. Other neuroimaging techniques like for example fMRI only measure neural activity indirectly and lacking a deeper understanding of the relationship between what is measured and how it relates to cognitive processing;

it may indicate cognitive-affective processing even in absence of behavioral responses. While brain processes ultimately drive behavior, the mental processes involved in such operations or conditions as response inhibition, creativity or meditation, the behavioral effects might be very subtle. By contrast with other neuroimaging methods, these processes are ideal candidates for qEEG as they are accompanied by distinguishable electrical brain activation patterns;

it is the most heritable bio-signal. Genetic factors have a strong influence on qEEG variation and determine its high test-retest reliability;

it distinguishes between excitatory and inhibitory neurons activation with the same metabolic demands. Other brain imaging techniques (such as fMRI or PET scanners) could not do it;

it distinguishes between different simultaneous temporal scales of information processing inherent for mental and cognitive processes. Other brain imaging techniques (such as fMRI or PET scanners) could not do it;

it is absolutely non-invasive and non-stressful procedure. Other techniques (such as fMRI or PET scanners) are minimally invasive or invasive and stressful.

Our main areas of focus and expertise are

• Brain Research (focusing on qEEG, MEG)
• Systemic Psychophysiology / Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders
• Consciousness research
• Meditation studies
• Developmental Neuropsychology
• Twin and Multiples Psychobiology
• Development and testing of new scientific tools or instruments and Psycho-Pharmacology studies