Date/Time
Date(s) - November 17, 2023
10:40 am - 11:30 am
Location
Weil Hall 406
Categories No Categories
Abbas Babajani-Feremi
Date : Friday, November 17, 2023
Mode : In-Person (Weil 406) or via Zoom
Affiliation: University of Florida
Bio: Visit Page
Title : Magnetoencephalography (MEG): Revealing Brain Activity, Functional Mapping, and Connectomics
Abstract : Magnetoencephalography (MEG) has emerged as a powerful tool for investigating brain activity, significantly advancing our comprehension of various neurological conditions. This presentation aims to elucidate the remarkable potential of MEG in the r localization of brain activity, functional mapping, and brain connectomics. The first objective of this talk is to compare and contrast MEG with other modalities, specifically electroencephalography (EEG). By examining the strengths and limitations of each modality, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how MEG stands out as a valuable technique for studying epileptic phenomena. The unique ability of MEG to capture magnetic fields generated by neural activity with exceptional spatial and temporal resolution will be highlighted. Moving on to the second objective, this speech will delve into the applications of MEG in localizing epileptiform discharges and functional brain mapping. Participants will gain insights into how MEG provides precise information about the source and spread of epileptic activity, facilitating accurate localization and aiding in surgical planning. Additionally, the utilization of MEG for functional brain mapping will be explored, showing its role in mapping cortical regions involved in language, motor, and sensory functions. Lastly, the third objective aims to appraise the reliability of MEG in advanced applications such as brain connectomics in neurological conditions. The integration of MEG with advanced analysis techniques, including machine learning and brain connectivity analysis, allows for a comprehensive examination of network-level brain activity and connectivity patterns. Through this presentation, attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for the power of MEG in epilepsy research and its broader applications in neuroscience. During this presentation, participants will acquire valuable insights into MEG and its advanced applications in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, as well as its broader implications in the field of neuroscience.
Short Bio: Dr. Abbas Babajani-Feremi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Florida (UF) and hold a faculty position in artificial intelligence (AI). Additionally, he serves as the Director of the Magnetoencephalography (MEG) Lab at UF Health. He began his career as a postdoctoral fellow at Henry Ford Hospital in 2007. In 2011, he joined the MEG team for the Human Connectome Project (HCP) at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, a significant NIH-funded project aimed at mapping the human brain. In 2013, he became an Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee, Memphis, where he oversaw multiple neuroimaging labs. In January 2021, Dr. Babajani-Feremi assumed the role of Associate Professor and MEG Lab Director at the University of Texas, Austin. With a solid background in biomedical engineering and over two decades of expertise in medical image and signal processing, as well as machine learning, Dr. Babajani-Feremi specializes in neuroimaging and electrophysiological techniques, including MEG/EEG, intracranial EEG (iEEG), and functional MRI (fMRI). His research focuses on advancing the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurological conditions. Furthermore, he investigates language function using electrophysiology and neuroimaging. Dr. Babajani-Feremi’s research in these areas has received funding from multiple institutes.