Biomagnetic Center
Research groups and projects
Feature-specific BrainAGE profiles in middle and late adulthood: Investigating the relationships between individual body, brain, and cognitive aging
Principal investigator: Dr. Katja Franke
DFG 2016-2020
In order to better understand, intuitively operationalize and predict the maturation and aging process of the brain, we have developed the MRI-based biomarker "BrainAGE" to measure the individual biological "brain age" (as opposed to chronological age). Current research shows premature brain aging in prenatal stress, certain lifestyles and some psychiatric disorders. On the other hand, protective factors have also been identified.
The goal of this project is to combine a new MRI-based biomarker with unique, large samples to investigate the effects of different (risk) factors on individual brain maturation.
Neuroimaging
Group leader: PD Dr. Carsten Klingner, Neurology
The workgroup investigates the functioning of the human brain. The focus is on the ability of the human brain to reorganize by investigating the multitude of interactions within the sensorimotor system. The data obtained should help to derive specific therapeutic options for a wide variety of neurological diseases (stroke, chronic pain, Parkinson's disease, etc.).
The cortical tinnitus network and how its connectivity changes through lateral inhibition by “tailor-made notched music training” (TMNMT)
Principal investigator: Prof. Dr. Christian Dobel, ENT clinic
DFG 2017 - 2020
Our goal is to investigate the cortical connectivity and the reorganization of the widespread cortical network that is responsible for the development of tinnitus. In addition, we are investigating the short-term and long-term reorganization of this cortical network through treatment with various interventions that can have a positive effect on the tinnitus. This allows to clarify which connectivity patterns are associated with a reduction in tinnitus loudness and which network characteristics lead to the reversal of the tinnitus-specific maladjustment of auditory cortical reorganization.
Harmful consequences of noise
Principal investigator: Dr. Ralph Huonker, Neurology
Berufsgenossenschaft Nahrungsmittel und Gastgewerbe (BGN) 2014 - 2019
Nowadays noise-induced hearing impairment is the second most common recognized occupational disease in Germany. We examine hearing deficiency due to noise and therefore determine its impact on perception, central processing and stress. We were able to show a negative effect of noise-induced hearing loss on autonomous regulation and the cardiovascular system of employees from different occupational groups. Currently our research is focused on the interaction of various kinds of sensory systems with the auditory system as well as the impact of individual measures towards distracting noise on stress. The aim is to find an approach for secondary prevention against aftereffects of noise-induced hearing impairment.
Diagnostic markers of fetal autonomic development
Group leader: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dirk Hoyer, Neurology
Fetal developmental disturbances can cause irreversible health problems across the total later life. Therefore, their early prenatal detection is essential. Objective of the own research was the elaboration of diagnostic markers of the fetal autonomic development based on biomagnetic recordings of fetal heart rate patterns. We investigated influences by maternal autonomic tone, maternal nutrition with omega-3 fatty acids and fetal intrauterine growth restriction on the fetal autonomic development.
projects:
- Development of a clinical marker of fetal autonomic maturation
DFG 2015 - 2021 - Prenatal DHA and Neurofunctional Development (PANDA)
NCT02709239
Further projects
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Motor learning and delearning
Principal investigator: Lorenz Grischek
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Region-specific BrainAGE in middle and late adulthood: Investigating the relationships between individual body, brain, and cognitive aging
Principal investigator: Dr. Katja Franke
Selected publications
- Franke K, Gaser C. Ten Years of BrainAGE as a Neuroimaging Biomarker of Brain Aging: What Insights Have We Gained? Front Neurol. 2019 Aug 14;10:789.
- Vickery S, Hopkins WD, Sherwood CC, Schapiro SJ, Latzman RD, Caspers S, Gaser C, Eickhoff SB, Dahnke R, Hoffstaedter F. Chimpanzee brain morphometry utilizing standardized MRI preprocessing and macroanatomical annotations. Elife. 2020 Nov23.
- Dahms C, Brodoehl S, Witte OW, Klingner CM. The importance of different learning stages for motor sequence learning after stroke. Hum Brain Mapp. 2020 Jan;41(1):270-286.
- Klingner CM, Brodoehl S, Witte OW, Guntinas-Lichius O, Volk GF. The impact of motor impairment on the processing of sensory information. Behav Brain Res. 2019 Feb 1;359:701-708.
Outstanding achievements
Prof. Dr. Christian Gaser was selected as a Fellow by the Hood Fund in 2019, earning him a fellowship for a three-week visiting fellowship at the University of Auckland, where he and his host Prof. Eileen Lueders offered a workshop in which he presented analysis algorithms he developed for MRI data of the brain that allow analysis of brain structure.