Development of brain imaging biomarkers in different pathologies.

Our neuroimaging research team develops and applies advanced brain imaging techniques to better understand how the brain works, using our 3T platform in the paediatric radiology department at Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital. Using 3 Tesla MRI (General Electric), we use multimodal sequences to explore brain anatomy, neuronal connections and brain activity, at rest or during specific tasks.  

Our work includes analysis of anatomical images and cerebral blood flow using segmentation and cortical parcellation (SPM12, CAT12 and FreeSurfer). We also perform image registration and normalisation to compare patient and control groups. In addition, we exploit advanced image processing methods for diffusion imaging (MRtrix3, FSL) and functional imaging (DPARSF, CONN), as well as artificial intelligence-based approaches, including neural network classification for the detection of cortical abnormalities in drug-resistant epilepsy (MELD). We are also integrating eye-tracking to study the mechanisms of social perception through gaze exploration, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to modulate neuronal activity. Our research is aimed in particular at gaining a better understanding of the brain bases of neurodevelopmental disorders, in particular autism spectrum disorders (ASD), with the aim of developing biomarkers and new therapeutic approaches.

Our team adopts an integrative and translational approach, combining neuroimaging, cognitive neuroscience and modelling to advance our understanding of the brain and improve patient care.