BrainLab@PoliMi aims at fostering the translation to clinical applications of innovative techniques for studying brain functions and pathologies. A multimodal approach, characterized by the integration of different experimental methodologies, provides a better interpretation of the acquired data and a deeper understanding of human cerebral functions. In particular, the integration between electrical data (electroencephalography, EEG) and optical data (near infrared / diffuse correlation spectroscopy, NIRS/DCS) allows simultaneous monitoring of the neuronal and the hemodynamic responses, mediated by the neurovascular coupling mechanism. The simultaneous recording of physiological data (e.g. ECG, EMG, skin conductance, heart rate, breathing, peripheral pressure wave) yields a better data interpretation by discriminating signals originated from central and peripheral activities.

Equipment

• Multi-channel system S16-D16-W2 for time domain functional near infrared spectroscopy (designed and developed by the research group; 2015)
• Multi-channel system S1-D4-W4 for time domain functional near infrared spectroscopy (designed and developed by the research group; 2015)
• Multi-channel system S2-D2-W2 for time domain functional near infrared spectroscopy (designed and developed by the research group; 2015)
• Hybrid system BabyLux for time domain functional near infrared spectroscopy and diffuse correlation spectroscopy (designed and developed by the research group; 2017)
• System S1-D4-W1 for diffuse correlation spectroscopy (designed and developed by the research group; 2019)
• System for acquisition of physiological data (ECG, breath, SC, …) (FlexComp, Thought Technology Inc; 2010)

Collaborations

• Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria (Prof. Anna Maria Bianchi)
• Dipartimento di Design (Prof.Margherita Pillan, Prof. Giuseppe Andreoni)
• Dipartimento di Matematica (Prof. Anna Paganoni)

Activities

Thanks to the multidisciplinary expertise in the fields of Physics, Bioengineering, Mathematics and Design, the Laboratory will develop innovative techniques in the field of Neurosciences for understanding human brain functions.
Main research areas:

• Modelling the generation and propagation of functional cerebral signals;
• Integration of instrumental modalities for the acquisition of functional cerebral signals;
• Functional signal and image multimodal fusion and integration;
• Design of ergonomic sensors and devices for monitoring the central nervous system;
• Study of the integration among perception, emotion and interaction.

The Laboratory will exploit active collaborations with research clinical centers in Milan and in Regione Lombardia for the definition of clinical applications and for the validation of the developed techniques.