Children’s Neuroimaging Laboratory
This laboratory facilitates the study of brain function and cognition throughout life, from infancy to adulthood. It is equipped to record real-time brain activity during cognitive tasks using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in both stationary settings and during movement, simultaneously with electroencephalography (EEG). Additionally, the laboratory supports the simultaneous use of eye tracking, pupillometry, and peripheral electrophysiology for comprehensive data collection.
Typical research applications include investigating the neural foundations and developmental trajectories of language comprehension and production, spatial cognition, cognitive control, and memory in both healthy and pathological populations. The laboratory is also designed to record multiple participants simultaneously, enabling the study of shared cognition and social interactions across the lifespan (i.e., hyperscanning).
The facility consists of two specialized spaces: an acoustically isolated room for neuroimaging (Image 3) and electrophysiological monitoring, and an adjacent room for neuropsychological testing and screen-based interaction experiments. These rooms are connected by a two-way mirror and share a dedicated air conditioning system, adjustable ceiling lighting, and multiple power and Ethernet outlets on the walls.
- ActiChamp Plus EEG amplifier with 64 channels + 8 auxiliary channels (BrainProducts).
- Peripheral sensors compatible with BrainProducts (electrocardiography, electromyography, skin conductance, respiration, and accelerometry).
- 64-channel EEG ActiCap Slim Caps: sizes 52, 54, 56, 58 (BrainProducts).
- TTL Plus Trigger Box (BrainProducts).
- NIRx fNIRS system with two amplifiers (8×8 and 16×16) and a total of 24 probes.
- 5 sizes of NIRx fNIRS caps (48, 52, 54, 56, 58) and a frontal band.
- Tobii Pro Spark eye-tracking device with Tobii Pro Lab software.
- Consumables for selected equipment (abrasive and conductive gels, syringes, needles, cleaning products, etc.).
- 2 virtual reality-compatible computers.
- 1 high refresh rate stimulus presentation monitor.
- Peripherals, speakers, microphones, and cameras.
