Understanding how information flows in the brain

Tracking Information Flow in the Brain: A Unified and General Framework for Dynamic Communication in Brain Networks

This study is testing how different parts of the brain communicate with each other during tasks like remembering and paying attention, using healthy volunteers to help us learn more about brain function.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 160 (estimated)
• Ages: 20 Years to 36 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Hospices Civils de Lyon (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Bron)
• Trial ID: NCT04175119 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project investigates the flexible communication between specialized areas of the brain using a framework based on nested oscillations. It employs magnetoencephalography and transcranial stimulation to explore how slow and gamma oscillations influence cognitive processes like visual attention and memory. Healthy volunteers will participate in visual perception tasks to test the core predictions of this theoretical approach. The study aims to enhance our understanding of brain function and information processing.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy right-handed individuals aged 20-36 with normal or corrected vision who are registered with the French healthcare system.

Not a fit: Patients with neurological or psychiatric conditions, sleep disorders, or those on medications affecting the central nervous system may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into cognitive processes and improve interventions for cognitive impairments.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding brain oscillations and their role in cognition.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* 20-36 years old
* Right handed
* Registered with the French healthcare system
* Motivated to participate in the study
* Normal or corrected vision
* Adequate knowledge of French to be able to follow directions and give informed consent
* Capacity to listen and follow study instructions
* Use of contraception (in sexually active women)
* BMI between 18.5 and 30
* Informed consent for participation in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* For All Experiments:
* Persons with :

  * Sleep disorders, neurological or psychiatric illnesses or a history of such problems that could impact quality/variability of data or cooperation and retention of the subject in the study
  * Migraines or light-sensitive epilepsy
  * Regular use of medications that impact the central nervous system
  * Regular use of medications, such as opioids and antidepressants, including Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants
  * Severe hearing loss
  * Skin conditions or allergies
  * Chronic pain, or any other medical conditions conducive to pain sensitivity
  * A history of stroke or recent trauma to the head
  * A pacemaker, insulin or other pump, neurostimulator, cochlear implants or other hearing aid, metal stents, prosthesis, or implants, intracerebral clips, implantable defibrillator, cerebral shunt or ventricular catheter, other foreign metal objects in the upper part of the body
* Persons unable to adhere to abstinence from the use of drugs or alcohol the day or evening before experimental sessions
* Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have given birth in the last 6 months

For experiments using magnetoencephalography:

* Persons with

  * claustrophobia
  * any dental apparatus containing metal including or root canals
  * any foreign metallic object anywhere in the body
  * bolts, screws
  * orthopedic devices or implants
  * glasses (given the participant cannot use contact lenses)
  * a head size incompatible with the use of a personalized 3D head-cast or a magnetoencephalograph
* Persons having had any surgery prior to the study which puts them at risk for metal objects left in the body

For experiments using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) techniques:

* Anxious, non-cooperative, or agitated persons
* Claustrophobia
* Persons having had any surgery prior to the study which puts them at risk for metal objects left in the body

For experiments using transcranial stimulation:

-Persons with frequent syncope episodes (loss of consciousness) as a result of any particular sensorial stimulations

Where this trial is running

Bron

• Centre de Recherche en Neuroscience de Lyon INSERM — Bron, France (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Mathilde Bonnefond, PhD — INSERM Rhône Alpes
• Study coordinator: Mathilde Bonnefond, PhD

Conditions: Healthy Volunteer, Brain