NeurovasculAR coupling and Neuronal Infraslow Activity

Cerebral autoregulation and neurovascular coupling have a critical role in sustaining brain activity and preventing irreversible damage.

Yet, despite revolutionary advances in neuroimaging methods questions remain on the relation and reciprocal interactions between cerebral hemodynamics (blood flow, oxygenation, vascular regulation) and neuronal activity.

NARNIA aims to unravel this intricate relationship and pushes the boundaries by developing a high-spatiotemporal resolution, multi-modal cortical neuronal activity and hemodynamics imaging system using 32-64 channel graphene-based solution gated field-effect transistors (gSGFET) and new high-density Speckle Contrast Tomography.

This system will study both spontaneous and electrically evoked activity in the cerebral cortex, uniting neuroscientists, engineers, and physicists.As an experienced researcher with a background in developing high-speed A-line rate swept source mode-locked lasers and interferometers for Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), I have a deep understanding of the intricacies of optical imaging systems.

My work includes combining multimodal biomedical imaging systems (Gabor Domain Optical Coherence Microscopy and Multi-channel Scanning Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy), demonstrating my ability to bridge various technologies and methodologies.

This endeavor will significantly expand my skills, research capabilities, and network, ultimately advancing my career as an independent researcher.By gaining a deeper understanding of these processes, in the long run, we envision contributing to the development of targeted interventions that can improve the quality of life for >12.5% EU population suffering from conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke, etc.

A fundamental understanding of this relationship will allow us to propose new hypotheses towards newer diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, potentially offering earlier diagnoses and more effective treatments for these neurological conditions.