PhD Seminar 4th June 2025 – PN6 Porta Nuova

Abstract

In recent decades, the rapid evolution and continuous improvement of neuroimaging techniques have significantly advanced the scientific understanding of the human brain. Among these methods, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) stands out as an innovative non-invasive technique that utilizes the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum to measure changes in blood oxygenation associated with brain activity. Initially developed to monitor localized changes in cerebral oxygenation and hemodynamics, this method has garnered global attention from scientists who see it as a promising yet challenging tool.

The course aims to provide doctoral students with an overview of functional neuroimaging methodologies, with a particular focus on functional near-infrared spectroscopy and its applications in scientific and healthcare contexts. The main limitations of this technique will also be examined, along with future perspectives, such as its integration with other technologies and its use in virtual reality and metaverse environments.

Outlines

1. Introduction to Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)
   1. Definition and physical principles of functional near-infrared spectroscopy.
   2. Advantages and limitations compared to other functional imaging techniques (fMRI, EEG).
2. Technology and Instrumentation
   1. Basic structure of the fNIRS system.
   2. Relevant technical parameters and fNIRS signal processing software.
3. Clinical and Research Applications of fNIRS
   1. Neuroscience and brain monitoring.
   2. Rehabilitation and neuroplasticity.
   3. Use of fNIRS in virtual reality and metaverse environments.
4. Limitations of fNIRS and Future Perspectives
   1. Issues related to limited light penetration (scalp and movement), interference from physiological noise (e.g., breathing, heartbeat), limitations in spatial resolution, and comparisons with more advanced techniques.
   2. Integration with other technologies (EEG, fMRI, transcranial magnetic stimulation), and improvements in data processing techniques.

Curriculum vitae

Vera Gramigna is Assistant Professor of Advanced Medical and Surgical Technology and Methodology, at the Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Italy.

In 2007 she received her master degree in mechanical Engineering from University of Calabria (Italy). In 2011 she obtained a PhD in Biomedical and Computer Engineering discussing a thesis with title Modeling of Cardiovascular System: Analysis of Mechanics and Fluid Dynamics, Prediction Methodology of Specific Diseases and Planning of Surgical Interventions. During post-graduate period she continued entertaining interests on biorobotics at “Biorobotic Institute”-Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna in Pisa, working on two projects: “Analysis of the biomechanical behaviour of colon tissue: experimental and numerical approach” and “Novel biological/biohybrid prostheses for the ossicular chain: fabrication feasibility and preliminary functional characterization”. In the 2014, at the Institute of BioImaging and Molecular Physiology in Catanzaro, scientific interest has veered strongly towards the neuroscience and neuroimaging techniques.

Her scientific interests cover various topics in the field of biomedical and computer engineering (biomedical devices, structural and functional imaging methods and bioimage analysis techniques, biomedical sensors, gait analysis and advanced biomechanics, computational fluid dynamics).