Research facilities
To study the complex neural networks underlying perceptual, motor and cognitive brain functions in ever greater detail, the Donders Centre for Neuroscience (DCN) has several state-of-the-art facilities, and is taking the lead in developing and implementing new techniques.
PRIME
At the pre-clinical imaging facility (PRIME) of the CDL a two-photon imaging set-up is available that can be combined with behaviour and neurophysiology. The set-up consists of a Leica TCS SP5 and Chameleon Ultra II Laser system with a resonance scanner (@512x512 30 Hz).
Drosophila facilities
The Drosophila facilities contain all necessary equipment for fly genetics, including 8 stereomicroscopes, fly pads, and 4 incubators. In addition, equipment to monitor Drosophila motor performance (automated negative geotaxis assay) is available, and the rooms are temperature- and light-controlled, to allow for state-of-the-art Drosophila behavioral analysis.
Translational Neuroscience Unit (TNU)
At the Translational Neurocscience Unit (TNU) in the CDL multiple behavioural set-ups are available as well as stereotaxic surgery and wet-lab facilities. Within the TNU we share expertise in behaviour, phenotyping, electrophysiology and molecular approaches.
Vestibular chair
With this unique vestibular stimulator it is possible to rotate the subjects around two independent computer-controlled axles, while performing cognitive or motoric tasks. While the subject is being rotated, the stimulator offers visual and aural stimuli. (more information)
Neuroimaging Facilities
Our researchers have access to neuroimaging facilities such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at 1.5, 3 and 7 Tesla, Magnetoencephalography (MEG), Electroencephalography (EEG) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) which make it possible to look inside the skull - in a variety of ways.
NIRS-EEG
With this measuring instrument it is possible to measure brain activity with a high temporal resolution (EEG) in combination with a reasonable (sub-cm) spatial resolution (NIRS). (more information)
Mobile auditory lab
The facility consists of two mobile eye-tracking systems that may be or may not be used in combination in a virtual acoustic environment. One of the systems is specially designed for children. (more information)
Neurohistology Unit
In the Neurohistology Unit all histological approaches (including cryosectioning) can be performed to explore the fascinating morphological features of nervous tissue. The Neurohistology Unit is closely coupled to the state-of-the-art microscopy facility of the General Instrumentarium (from widefield to Lightsheet microscopy) and the Neuro Culture Lab.
Auditory Motion Lab
In the Auditory Motion lab at the Huygens basement (floor A -2), we investigate how the human auditory system tracks a moving sound source in any direction. A speaker (with LED), attached to the end of two-link robotic arm, equipped with two independently controlled motors, can be moved along a spherical surface around the subject, while any type of sound can be played. ...read further... (docx, 13 kB)
Auditory perception lab
In the auditory perception lab, located in the DCN wing, we study sound perception and sound localization. The lab is equipped with a set of high-fidelity speakers that can be independently controlled. We can measure head rotations of a subject as an accurate and fast pointer for sound localization. We also measure speech perception (in background noise), and perform free-field or dichotic (i.e., with headphones) psychometric studies (e.g., interaural level or time difference sensitivity, audiograms, etc.). The setup is particularly useful for measuring patients with auditory impairments (cochlear implant users, hearing-aid users, bone-conduction users, single-sided deaf), which we do in close collaboration with the ENT department.
For whom?
The equipment can also be used to test general monaural and binaural auditory perception of patients with an implant, such as a cochlear implant, hearing aid devices, or a bone conduction stimulator. Companies producing such implants could gain more insight into the manner in which their products steer brain activity and perception. Audiological centers can use this technique for the same reasons.
Contact
Dr. Marc van Wanrooij
T: +31 24 36 14238
E: m.vanwanrooij@donders.ru.nl
The auditory sphere lab
The auditory sphere lab, located in the Huygens basement (at A -2), contains more than 100 high-quality speakers that are mounted on an acoustically transparent wire frame, allowing us to present a sound source at many different locations around the subject. Each speaker also has a small LED, which can provide a well-defined visual stimulus. We measure eye-head orienting responses of subjects to study sound-localization performance to well-designed acoustic stimuli, as well as audio-visual spatial behavior under a variety of spatial-temporal disparities. The lab is equipped with a high-end binocular eye tracker system (EyeSeeCam), with which eye movements can be recorded at 500 Hz sampling rate per eye.
For whom?
The equipment can also be used to test auditory spatial perception of patients with an implant, such as a cochlear implant, hearing aid devices, or a bone conduction stimulator. Companies producing such implants could gain more insight into the manner in which their products steer brain activity and perception. Audiological centers can use this technique for the same reasons.
Contact
Dr. Marc van Wanrooij
T: +31 24 36 14238
E: m.vanwanrooij@donders.ru.nl