ABOUT OUR STUDIES

OUR RESEARCH METHODS

MEG

Magnetoencephalography

The MEG is a passive and silent imaging technique that measures the magnetic energy created by your brain. During the MEG measurement, you will be sitting in a magnetically shielded room with your head supported by a helmet containing 306 sensors. Once you are positioned in the instrument’s helmet, you will be given full instructions by the research staff so that you will know what to do.    

The MEG sensors are connected to a computer that will record your brain activity while you are performing tasks like making choices with a button pad as to what you see on a screen or simply resting. You will be asked to remain very still during all measurement periods, as most movements degrade the accuracy of the measurements. At all times, you will be able to communicate with the study staff via a 2-way intercom system (you will be able to hear us and we will be able to hear you).  There is also a video monitoring system and we will always have a live video feed from inside the magnetically-shielded room.  In short, the study staff will be able to see and hear you at all times during the MEG session. 

What is MRI and MEG Research?

MRI 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging 

MRI is an imaging technique that creates a picture of your brain using a strong magnetic field.  MRI is noninvasive, but noisy (ear plugs will be provided) and can make some people feel claustrophobic. A trained technician will escort you into a shielded room and position you on a bed attached to the MRI scanner.  A helmet-like device will be positioned around your head and adjusted until you feel comfortable and your head is secure.  The MRI technician will then remind you to remain as still as possible and will activate a switch that pulls the bed inside the MRI tube.  They will then leave the room and inform you via intercom system that the MRI scan is about to begin.  We will be able to see and hear you at all times and you can speak to staff at any moment. 

What is MRI Research?

tDCS 

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation 

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is an emerging therapeutic technique that affects brain activity. The technique involves stimulating the scalp with low amplitude, direct current using small electrodes. 

OUR STUDIES

tDCS Study: BRAIN Initiative 1 (Ages 19-35, 55-72) 

The purpose of this study is to determine how a therapeutic technique called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) affects the brain. Participants will have electrodes placed on their heads while completing a task on a computer, then they will undergo a non-invasive magnetoencephalography (MEG) scan while performing visual and attention tasks. At the end of your last visit, you will have an MRI scan. 

  • Compensation: $100 per visit 

  • Age: 19-35 years; 55-72 years 

  • Time: 3 visits, 2.5 hours each (last visit 3.5 hours) 

  • Visit Type: In-Person 

  • Location: Institute for Human Neuroscience – Boys Town Main (West) Campus 

  • Requirements: Participants must be right-handed; no history of substance abuse or dependence; have not had a stroke or been diagnosed with any neurological or psychological disorders; able to complete a series of mental tasks; are not pregnant. 

Advanced Brain Imaging: HIV  (Ages 19-80+)

The purpose of this study is to investigate how HIV affects brain activity, cognitive functioning and aging in people who are living with HIV as compared to those who are not living with HIV. We are enrolling people living with HIV, as well as those who do not have HIV. Non-invasive brain imaging instruments will be used (MEG and MRI), and participants will complete a variety of mental activities. 

  • Compensation: $100 per visit 

  • Age: 19-80+ years 

  • Time: 3 hours per visit (2 visits) 

  • Visit Type: In-person 

  • Location: Institute for Human Neuroscience – Boys Town Main (West) Campus 

  • Requirements: Have not had a stroke or been diagnosed with any neurological or psychiatric disorders; Able to complete a series of mental tasks; Are not pregnant. Living with HIV OR not living with HIV. 

Advanced Brain Imaging: Cannabis (Ages 19-80+)

The purpose of this study is to investigate how regular cannabis use affects brain activity and cognitive functioning differently in people who are living with HIV compared to those who are not living with HIV. Non-invasive brain imaging instruments will be used (MEG and MRI), and participants will complete a variety of mental activities. 

  • Who: Adults who regularly use Cannabis 

  • Age: 19-80+ years 

  • Compensation: $100 per visit 

  • Time: 3 hours per visit (2 visits) 

  • Visit Type: In-person 

  • Location: Institute for Human Neuroscience - Boys Town Main (West) Campus 

  • Requirements: Have not had a stroke or been diagnosed with any neurological or psychiatric disorders; Are able to complete a series of mental tasks; Are not pregnant; Regularly use cannabis OR do not use cannabis. 

Advanced Brain Imaging: Methamphetamine (Ages 19-80+)

The purpose of this study is to investigate how regular methamphetamine use affects brain activity and cognitive functioning differently in people who are living with HIV compared to those who are not living with HIV. Non-invasive brain imaging instruments will be used (MEG and MRI) and participants will complete a variety of mental activities. 

  • Who: Adults who regularly use methamphetamine 

  • Age: 19-80+ years 

  • Compensation: $100 per visit (3 visits) 

  • Visit Type: In-person 

  • Location: Institute for Human Neuroscience – Boys Town Main (West) Campus 

  • Requirements: Have not had a stroke or been diagnosed with any neurological or psychiatric disorders; Are able to complete a series of mental tasks; Are not pregnant; Regularly use Methamphetamine. 

Alzheimer's Disease and MCI (Ages 55+)

The purpose of this study is to investigate how Alzheimer's Disease (AD) or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) affect brain activity. Non-invasive brain imaging instruments will be used (MEG and MRI), and participants will complete a variety of mental activities. Those diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease or MCI may also receive an amyloid-beta PET scan (if they have not previously had one) which may be beneficial for diagnosis and treatment.   

  • Who: Adults diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), or healthy adults without history of psychiatric or neurological disease. 

    Age: 55+ years 

    Compensation: $75 per visit (first 3 visits), $50 for PET visit 

    Time: 3 hours per visit (3 visits), plus 1-hour PET visit (if AD or MCI) 

    Visit Type: In-person 

    Location: Institute for Human Neuroscience - Boys Town Main (West) Campus 

    Requirements: Have not had a stroke or any other major neurologic disease (aside from AD or MCI), have not been diagnosed with any psychiatric disorder, are able to complete a series of mental tasks, have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), OR healthy adult without history of psychiatric or neurologic disease. 

DevMIND (Child Study Ages 6-15)

The purpose of this study is to understand how the healthy brain matures and how biological and environmental factors influence this development. As children mature into adolescence and adulthood, both their brains and cognitive abilities change dramatically. This study aims to identify those changes using non-invasive brain scans (MEG and MRI), neuropsychological and cognitive assessments, questionnaires, and saliva samples. Participants will receive a printed picture of their brain. 

  • Who:  Healthy children who are willing to participate and have never been diagnosed with a psychiatric or neurological disorder. 

  • Age: 6-15 years   

  • Compensation: $75 per visit 

  • Time: Approximately 3 hours per visit (typically 2 visits per year)   

  • Visit Type: In-person  

  • Location: Institute for Human Neuroscience - Boys Town Main (West) Campus