Dr. Todd Woodward aims to explore how modulation of brain networks effects task performance in people with schizophrenia. The new GTEN hardware will compliment our state-of-the-art high-density EEG system and allow for testing of hypotheses about the function of specific brain networks organized by frequency-specific neuronal oscillatory activity.
Our current 256 channel EEG system provides an exceptional measure of brain network activity, providing a temporal resolution that is three orders of magnitude finer than fMRI. Our recent work has made it possible to map out 3-4 times as many brain networks as fMRI, revealing transient brain processes that interact dynamically, thus portraying functional brain network configurations. The CNoS Lab is one of the first in the world to have successfully developed methods of measuring networks of combined frequencies of oscillation during a range of tasks. The addition of a GTEN will allow our lab to move forward with even more innovative research on schizophrenia.
The GTEN will be used in conjunction with our dense array EEG system allowing for modulation of brain network activity into specific functional states. The hardware allows for fully programmable patterns of oscillation frequencies. As well, the GTEN enables concurrent EEG measurement and stimulation, enabling a novel means of directly assessing the effects of electrical stimulation on brain activity. The results we have achieved thus far [1,2,3] suggest that a pre-treatment with neuromodulation should improve performance on cognitive tasks in persons with schizophrenia.
The GTEN equipment was purchased with funds received from an NSERC equipment grant awarded on April 21, 2017.
Welcome to the UBC Brain Dynamics Lab!
Thanks to the support of the BC Schizophrenia Society Foundation, the UBC Brain Dynamics Lab is now equipped with a 256-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) system available to researchers on a fee-per-use basis.
Computing Resources
The EEG lab is equipped with an integrated data recording computer and a desktop experimental presentation machine. Both computers are running solid-state hard drives (the most reliable on the market) with top of the line performance specs. The EEG recoding computer can take input from E-Prime, PychToolbox, and Presentation experimental delivery systems. We have an Audio-Visual timing testing device that will allow you to ensure synchronization of your stimulus presentation with your EEG data file recording. The presentation computer is a Windows machine with a top-notch graphics card for delivering visual stimuli (including 3D graphics), and a solid-state hard drive optimized for video display. This technology allows the investigation of distinct brain processes that are engaged by specific task conditions that can be manipulated experimentally.
Downloadable Forms
References
1. Whitman, J.C., Takane, Y., Cheung, T., Moiseev, A., Ribary, U., Ward, L.M., and Woodward, T.S., Acceptance of evidence-supported hypotheses generates a stronger signal from an underlying functionally-connected network. NeuroImage, 2016. 127: p. 215-226. PDF
2. Whitman, J.C., Ward, L.M., and Woodward, T.S., Patterns of cortical oscillations organize neural activity into whole-brain functional networks evident in the fMRI BOLD signal. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 2013. 7: p. 1-4. PDF
3. Metzak, P. (2017). Multimodal examination of brain networks involved in attentional biasing in schizophrenia. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of British Columbia Neuroscience Program. Todd Woodward Primary supervisor.
UBC Brain Dynamics Lab
Room 2ND, Detwiller Pavillion, UBC Hospital
2255 Wesbrook Mall V6T 1Z3