University Institute of Neuroscience

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The groups in this area implement methods for the neurophysiological (EEG, MEG), neuroanatomical (BOLD), and neurochemical analysis of signals (neurotransmitters) that provide structural and functional information about the human brain, both in resting state such as during the execution of cognitive tasks.

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Neurolinguistics, neurophysiology and neuroimaging

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Functional Connectivity and Bioengineering

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Neurochemistry, Neuroimaging and Neurostimulation

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Basic Neuroanatomy

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Brain Imaging Laboratory

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Coordinators: Niels Janssen (Full Professor of Basic Psychology) and Juan Andrés Hernández Cabrera (Full Professor of Methodology).

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Electrical engineering and bioengineering

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Coordinator: Ernesto Pereda (Professor of Electrical Engineering). Sergio Hernández Rodríguez (Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering).

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Neurochemistry and Neuroimaging

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Coordinator: José Luis González-Mora (Professor of Medicine – Physiology). Julio Plata Bello (Professor of Medicine).

[/vc_column_text][vc_tta_accordion active_section=»0″][vc_tta_section title=»Laboratorio de Neuroquímica y Neuroimagen (NNLAB): Biosensores e Inmunosensores para las neurociencias» tab_id=»1611740714932-3b8debf7-dd7b»][vc_column_text]

Group members:

Prof. Pedro A. Salazar Carballo

Dr. Iñigo Fernández Bats

Dr. Soledad Carinelli

Interests: 

The successful application of biosensors for in vitro and in vivo measurements of complex media, such as tissues and biological fluids, demands strict criteria during the device design phase. In this context, our group is interested in: (1) developing new analytical instruments and methods for detection applications, (2) improving analytical properties using electrocatalytic and nanostructured materials (nanocomposites, carbon nanotubes, magnetic nanoparticles) to enhance the sensitivity, selectivity, and biocompatibility of such devices, (3) developing immunosensor platforms for various biomarkers for neuroscience applications such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, and (4) developing amperometric biosensors for neurotransmitters and metabolites related to neurovascular coupling.

Ongoing lines of research:

  • Amperometric microsensors and biosensors for neuroscience and physiological applications
  • Immunosensors for the detection of biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease

Techniques/Methods: 

  • Electrochemistry
  • Biosensors
  • Immunosensors
  • Magnetic nanoparticles
  • Immunoassays
  • Advanced materials 

Relevant publications: 

  1. Preparation of core–shell Fe 3 O 4@ poly (dopamine) magnetic nanoparticles for biosensor construction, M Martín, P Salazar, R Villalonga, S Campuzano, JM Pingarrón, Journal of Materials Chemistry B 2 (6), 739-746.
  2. Microbiosensors for glucose based on Prussian Blue modified carbon fiber electrodes for in vivo monitoring in the central nervous system, P Salazar, M Martín, R Roche, JL González–Mora, RD O'Neill, Biosensors and Bioelectronics 26 (2), 748-753.
  3. Non-enzymatic Glucose electrochemical sensor made of porous NiO thin films prepared by reactive magnetron sputtering at oblique angles, FJ García-García, P Salazar, F Yubero, AR González-Elipe, Electrochimica Acta 201, 38-44.
  4. One-step green synthesis of silver nanoparticle-modified reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite for H2O2 sensing applications, P Salazar, I Fernández, MC Rodríguez, A Hernández-Creus, Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry 855, 113638
  5. Sensing and biosensing with screen printed electrodes modified with nanostructured nickel oxide thin films prepared by magnetron

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Group members:

Dr. Francisco José Marcano Serrano

Prof. José Luis González-Mora; (University of La Laguna)

Interests:

In the field of magnetic resonance spectroscopy: this line of research focuses on exploring the detection limits of changes in magnetic resonance signals associated with sets of molecules of interest in the human brain in vivo for functional study. It is important to understand: 1) the limits of accuracy, precision, and spatial and temporal resolution with which metabolite concentrations can be recorded in the brain; 2) the relationships that can be established between physiological or pathological conditions and the time-dependent measurement of metabolite concentrations, using image analysis tools, classification algorithms, or algorithms based on artificial neural networks; and 3) the adaptations of magnetic resonance pulse sequences, spectroscopic signal analysis methods, and quantification algorithms specialized for detecting metabolic changes of interest.

Ongoing lines of research: 

  • Temporal dynamics of brain metabolites using magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Techniques/Methods

  • Magnetic resonance imaging spectroscopy
  • Biomedical signals and image processing

Relevant publications :

  • Jiménez-Espinoza, Carmen; Marcano, Francisco; González-Mora, Jose Luis. 2018. Imbalance Glutathione Biosynthesis in ASD: A kinetic patterns “in vivo”. Proceedings of MOL2NET 2018, International Conference on Multidisciplinary Sciences, 4th ed 1-1.
  • Hernández-Martín, Estefanía; Marcano, Francisco; Casanova, Oscar; Modroño, Cristián; Plata Bello, Julio; González-Mora, José Luis. 2017. Comparing diffuse optical tomography and functional magnetic resonance imaging signals during a cognitive task: pilot study. Neurophotonics. SPIE 4-1, pp. 015003-1-015003-15. ISSN 2329-423X.
  • Marcano, Francisco, De Armas, Noelia, Díaz-Cardama, Álvaro, Ferrer-Roca, Olga. 2007. Collaborative Systems for Pathology Applications. The Open Pathology Journal. Bentham Eds.1-1, pp.1-4. ISSN 1874-3757. https://benthamopen.com/TOPATJ/VOLUME/1/.
  • Hernandez-Martin, Estefania; Marcano, Francisco; Modroño, Cristian; Janssen, Niels; Luis González-Mora, Jose. 2020. Diffuse optical tomography to measure functional changes during motor tasks: a motor imagery study. Biomedical Optics Express. OSA 11-11, pp.6049-6067.
  • Hernández-Martin E, Marcano F, Casanova O, Modroño C, Plata-Bello J, González-Mora JL. (2017). Comparing diffuse optical tomography and functional magnetic resonance imaging signals during a cognitive task: pilot study. Neurophotonics. Jan;4(1):015003. Epub 2017 Mar 15.

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Group members:

Prof. Cristián Modroño Pascual

Dr. Rebeca Villarroel Ramírez

Prof. José Luis González-Mora

Interests: 

Motor deficits are one of the main negative consequences of brain damage. Increasing sensorimotor activity is essential for recovery, and various approaches have been attempted (such as passive movements, action observation, and motor imagery), each with its own limitations. Furthermore, previous findings show that the brain circuits for eye and limb movements are widely distributed and overlap in the human brain. Our original idea and main line of research focuses on using the eyes to control virtual objects to increase brain activity in sensorimotor regions, as a novel approach to neurorehabilitation in patients with strokes or movement disorders.

Ongoing lines of research: 

      • Transfer of motor learning from eye to hand
      • Eye-controlled serious games as a neurorehabilitation approach

Technologies/Methods: 

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Eye tracking
  • Eye control
  • Virtual reality

 

Relevant publications: 

Modroño, C., Bermudez, S., Cameirao, M., Pereira, F., Paulino, T., Marcano, F., Gonzalez-Mora, JL (2019). Is it necessary to show virtual limbs in action observation neurorehabilitation systems? Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering, 6, 5. doi:10.1177/2055668319859140

Modroño, C., Navarrete, G., Rodriguez-Hernandez, AF, & Gonzalez-Mora, JL (2013). Activation of the human mirror neuron system during the observation of the manipulation of virtual tools in the absence of a visible effector limb. Neuroscience Letters, 555, 220-224. doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2013.09.044

Modroño, C., Plata-Bello, J., Zelaya, F., Garcia, S., Galvan, I., Marcano, F., . . . Gonzalez-Mora, J.L. (2015). Enhancing sensorimotor activity by controlling virtual objects with gaze. PloS one, 10(3), e0121562-e0121562. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0121562

Modroño, C., Rodriguez-Hernandez, AF, Marcano, F., Navarrete, G., Burunat, E., Ferrer, M., Gonzalez-Mora, JL (2011). A low cost fMRI-compatible tracking system using the Nintendo Wii remote. Journal of Neuroscience Methods, 202(2), 173-181. doi:10.1016/j.jneumeth.2011.05.014

Modroño, C., Socas, R., Hernandez-Martin, E., Plata-Bello, J., Marcano, F., Perez-Gonzalez, JM, & Gonzalez-Mora, JL (2020). Neurofunctional correlates of eye to hand motor transfer. Human Brain Mapping, 41(10), 2656-2668. doi:10.1002/hbm.24969

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Group members:

Dr. Estefanía Hernández-Martín

Dr. Francisco José Marcano Serrano.

Prof. José Luis González-Mora

Interests: 

In the field of near-infrared spectroscopy: this line of research focuses on developing a device that can control robotic elements or interact with computers while continuously recording brain activity, overcoming the limitations of current brain interfaces based on a single measurement mode (electrical, optical). This type of device must be minimally invasive, harmless, and inert under the conditions to which implants are typically subjected. Of interest are: 1) determining the limits of spatial and temporal resolution for recording brain activity using multi-element transducer techniques (optical, electrical, magnetic, etc.) and the factors that influence the precision and accuracy of the measurements; and 2) the long-term effects of very slight increases in temperature and electromagnetic radiation on the tissues studied and their impact on the design of brain-computer interfaces. 3) Study of classification and prediction algorithms for the translation of signals recorded by multimodal sensors into robotic actuators or into the commands of simulation programs.

Ongoing lines of research: 

  • Development of a multimodal sensor for diffuse optical tomography in the near infrared and electrocorticography.
  • Diffuse optical tomography to measure functional changes in the human brain: Physiology and pathology

Technologies/Methods: 

  • Diffuse optical tomography by near-infrared spectroscopy
  • Magnetic resonance imaging spectroscopy
  • Biomedical signals and image processing

Relevant publications: 

  • Hernandez-Martin, Estefania; Marcano, Francisco; Modroño, Cristian; Janssen, Niels; Luis González-Mora, Jose. 2020. Diffuse optical tomography to measure functional changes during motor tasks: a motor imagery study. Biomedical Optics Express. OSA 11-11, pp.6049-6067.
  • Hernandez-Martin, Estefania; Marcano, Francisco; Modroño-Pascual, Cristián; Casanova-González, Óscar; Plata-Bello, Julio; González-Mora, José Luis. 2019. Is it possible to measure hemodynamic changes in the prefrontal cortex through the frontal sinus using continuous wave DOT systems? Biomedical Optics Express. Optical Society of America. 10-2, pp.817-837.
  • Hernández-Martín, Estefanía; Marcano, Francisco; Casanova, Oscar; Modroño, Cristián; Plata Bello, Julio; González-Mora, José Luis. 2017. Comparing diffuse optical tomography and functional magnetic resonance imaging signals during a cognitive task: pilot study; Neurophotonics. SPIE 4-1, pp.015003-1-015003-15. ISSN 2329-423X.
  • Hernandez-Martin E, Gonzalez-Mora JL. (2019). Diffuse optical tomography in the human brain: A briefly review from the Neurophysiology to its applications. Brain Science Advances, 6(3);doi.org/10.26599/BSA.2019.9050014

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Group members:

Prof. Sergio Elías Hernández Alonso

Eng. Oscar Pérez Díaz

Prof. José Luis González Mora

Research interest: 

The practice of meditation has the potential to benefit our daily lives from various perspectives, including awareness, physical and mental health, and being present in the here and now. Among all meditation practices, our group focuses primarily on meditations such as Sahaja Yoga Meditation, which is based on thoughtless awareness or mental silence. In our research, we are interested in understanding how meditation affects the brain and central nervous system from different perspectives, such as: changes in brain anatomy related to meditation, like gray and white matter volume, functional connectivity, neuronal activity during mental silence, self-referential processing, and improvements in present-moment awareness, stress and anxiety reduction, improvements in depression, and improvements in attention and emotional control, among others.

Ongoing lines of research: 

  • Variations in gray matter volume associated with the practice of meditation.
  • Modifications of the white matter microstructure related to meditation.
  • Functional connectivity in the state of meditation.
  • Functional connectivity in a resting state related to the practice of meditation.
  • Neural activity in deep meditation and mental silence.
  • Neuronal activity in thoughtless consciousness or mental silence.
  • Neuronal activity in mysticism, the recitation of mantras or the recitation of prayers.
  • Enhanced awareness related to meditation.
  • Attention and emotional controls related to meditation and mental silence.

Techniques/Methods: 

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging to measure neuronal activity.
  • Voxel-based morphometry to measure gray matter volume.
  • Diffusion tensor imaging to measure the microstructure of white matter.
  • Electroencephalography.
  • Skin conductance.
  • Bio-sensors.

Relevant publications: 

  • Larger whole brain gray matter associated with long-term Sahaja Yoga Meditation: A detailed area by area comparison. Plos One. 15 – 12, pp. 1 – 18. Public Library of Science, 12/28/2020.
  • Gray Matter and Functional Connectivity in Anterior Cingulate Cortex are Associated with the State of Mental Silence During Sahaja Yoga Meditation.  Neuroscience. 371, pp. 395 – 406. Elsevier, 02/10/2018.
  • Increased Gray Matter Associated with Long-Term Sahaja Yoga Meditation: A Voxel-Based Morphometry Study. PLOS ONE. 11(3): e0150757, PLOS, 03/03/2016.
  • Neural Activity of the State of Mental Silence While Practicing Sahaja Yoga Meditation. THE JOURNAL OF ALTERNATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE. 21 – 3, pp. 175 – 179. Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., 03/23/2015

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Group members:

Dr. Carmen Jiménez de Espinosa; (University of La Laguna)

Dr. Francisco Marcano; (University of La Laguna)

Prof. José Luis González-Mora; (University of La Laguna)

Interests:

Given that functional magnetic resonance imaging studies of the brain show an aberrant trajectory of neurological development, it is reasonable to suggest that the degree of neurochemical abnormalities detected by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) may also change according to developmental stages and brain regions in autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Therefore, this study investigates changes in metabolites between the anterior and posterior cingulate cortex using 1H-MRS in young adults with ASD. L-glutamate (Glu) and L-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) are products derived from the metabolism of N-acetyl-aspartate-glutamate (NAAG) in a reaction that requires the participation of neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes. Metabolic abnormalities in the anterior and posterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in ASD could lead to new therapeutic possibilities or be used as a biomarker for the early diagnosis of ASD.

Current lines of research:

  • Early detection of autism spectrum disorders: emerging symptoms and biomarkers.
  • Search for effective biomarkers in children with autism spectrum disorders: Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Technologies/Methods:

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Eye movements

Relevant publications:

  • CD Jimenez-Espinoza, F Marcano, JL Gonzalez-Mora; ”Heterogeneity neurochemistry in cingulate cortex in adults with autism spectrum disorders: A proton MR spectroscopy study”; Medical and Health Science Journal 18 (1), 2-13.
  • C Jiménez-Espinoza, F Marcano, JL González-Mora. NAA-NAAG metabolism imbalance associated neuronal damage and socio-communicative impairment correlation in ASD. MDPI in MOL2NET 2020, International Conference on Multidisciplinary Sciences.
  • C Jiménez-Espinoza, FM Serrano, J González-Mora. Imbalance Glutathione Biosynthesis in ASD: A kinetic patterns “in vivo”. MDPI AG in MOL2NET 2018, International Conference on Multidisciplinary Sciences, 4th edition session BIOCHEMPHYS-01: International Workshop on Med. Chem., Biotech., and Phys. Chem., CNAM, Paris, France, 2018

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Basic Neuroanatomy

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Coordinators:  Agustín Castañeyra (Professor of Medicine - Anatomy). SR: Ibrahim González Marrero (Associate Professor of Medicine - Anatomy).

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Virtual environments for psychological treatment

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Coordinator: Wenceslao Peñate Castro (Professor of Clinical Psychology).

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Health risk factors in the Canary Islands

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Coordinator:  Antonio Cabrera de León (Professor of Medicine).

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