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Type Title Begin End
DocumentPavlovian threat learning shapes the kinematics of action2022

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2020 Grants
Start date: 2021-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-047
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
047 - Fear in action: How Pavlovian fear learning shapes goal-directed motor responses
Duration: 2021-03 - 2024-03
Researcher(s):
Francesca Starita, Giuseppe di Pellegrino
Institution(s): Centre for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience - CsrNC, Department of Psychology, University of Bologna (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Starita, F.
Secondary author(s):
di Pellegrino, G.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Pavlovian learning / Goal-directed action / Motor cortex / Fear / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-047.04
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Pavlovian threat learning shapes the kinematics of action
Publication year: 2022
URL:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1005656/full
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Prompt response to environmental threats is critical to survival. Previous research has revealed mechanisms underlying threat-conditioned physiological responses, but little is known about how threats shape action. Here we tested if threat learning shapes the kinematics of reaching in human adults. In two different experiments conducted on independent samples of participants, after Pavlovian threat learning, in which a stimulus anticipated the delivery of an aversive shock, whereas another did not, the peak velocity and acceleration of reaching increased for the shocked-paired stimulus, relative to the unpaired one. These kinematic changes appeared as a direct consequence of learning, emerging even in absence of an actual threat to body integrity, as no shock occurred during reaching. Additionally, they correlated with the strength of sympathetic response during threat learning, establishing a direct relationship between previous learning and subsequent changes in action. The increase in velocity and acceleration of action following threat learning may be adaptive to facilitate the implementation of defensive responses. Enhanced action invigoration may be maladaptive, however, when defensive responses are inappropriately enacted in safe contexts, as exemplified in a number of anxiety-related disorders.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Starita, F.
Secondary author(s):
Garofalo, S., Dalbagno, D., Degni, L. A. E., di Pellegrino, G.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Percentiles:
64.49|0.91
Reference:
Starita, F., Garofalo, S., Dalbagno, D., Degni, L. A. E., & di Pellegrino, G. (2022). Pavlovian threat learning shapes the kinematics of action. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 1005656. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1005656
2-year Impact Factor: 3.800|2022
Times cited: 8|2026-02-15
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Pavlovian conditioning / Fear conditioning / Kinematics / Pain anticipation / Reaching / Vigor

Pavlovian threat learning shapes the kinematics of action

Pavlovian threat learning shapes the kinematics of action
DocumentThreat learning in space: How stimulus-outcome spatial compatibility modulates conditioned skin conductance response2023

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2020 Grants
Start date: 2021-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-047
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
047 - Fear in action: How Pavlovian fear learning shapes goal-directed motor responses
Duration: 2021-03 - 2024-03
Researcher(s):
Francesca Starita, Giuseppe di Pellegrino
Institution(s): Centre for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience - CsrNC, Department of Psychology, University of Bologna (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Starita, F.
Secondary author(s):
di Pellegrino, G.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Pavlovian learning / Goal-directed action / Motor cortex / Fear / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-047.07
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Threat learning in space: How stimulus-outcome spatial compatibility modulates conditioned skin conductance response
Publication year: 2023
URL:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S016787602300452X?via%3Dihub
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
A central question in Pavlovian conditioning concerns the critical conditions that drive the acquisition and maintenance of the stimulus-outcome association. The spatial relationship between the conditioned (CS) and unconditioned (US) stimuli is considered to exert strong effects on learning. However, how spatial information modulates Pavlovian learning remains mostly unexplored in humans. Here, we test how the compatibility between the CS and the US location influences the acquisition, extinction, and recovery (following reinstatement) of Pavlovian conditioned threat. Participants (N = 20) completed a differential threat conditioning task in which visual CSs appeared on the same (compatible) or opposite (incompatible) hemispace as the US delivery (aversive shock to one hand), while their skin conductance response served as an index of learning. Results show that initial threat expectations were biased in favor of compatible CSs before conditioning. Nevertheless, this bias was revised during acquisition to reflect current stimulus-outcome contingencies. Computational modeling suggested that this effect occurred through a higher reliance on positive aversive prediction errors for incompatible CSs, thereby facilitating learning of their association with the US. Additionally, the conditioned response to incompatible CSs was associated with initially slower extinction and a greater recovery after threat reinstatement. These findings suggest that spatial information conveyed by stimuli and outcomes can be flexibly used to enact defensive responses to the current source of danger, highlighting the adaptive nature of Pavlovian learning.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Copyright/Reproduction:
By permission
Language:
eng
Author:
Starita, F.
Secondary author(s):
Stussi, Y., Garofalo, S., di Pellegrino, G.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Percentiles:
53.18|0.68
Reference:
Starita, F., Stussi, Y., Garofalo, S., & di Pellegrino, G. (2023). Threat learning in space: How stimulus-outcome spatial compatibility modulates conditioned skin conductance response. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 190, 30–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2023.06.003
2-year Impact Factor: 2.5|2023
Times cited: 4|2026-02-15
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: Computational modeling / Fear learning / Pavlovian conditioning / Rescorla-Wagner / Spatial compatibility
DocumentNucleus accumbens neurons dynamically respond to appetitive and aversive associative learning2024

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2020 Grants
Start date: 2021-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-175
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
175 - The role of nucleus accumbens in the perception of natural rewards
Duration: 2021-06 - 2025-01
Researcher(s):
Carina Cunha, Ana João Rodrigues, Nivaldo Vasconcelos, Rodrigo Oliveira, Bárbara Coimbra, Ana Verónica Domingues, Gabriela Martins
Institution(s): Life and Health Sciences Research Institute - ICVS, University of Minho, Braga (Portugal); Zuckerman Institute, Columbia University, New York City (USA)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Cunha, C.
Secondary author(s):
Rodrigues, A. J., Vasconcelos, N., Oliveira, R., Coimbra, B., Domingues, A. V., Martins, G.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Nucleus accumbens / Reward / Calcium imaging / Optogenetics / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-175.07
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Nucleus accumbens neurons dynamically respond to appetitive and aversive associative learning
Publication year: 2024
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.16063
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
To survive, individuals must learn to associate cues in the environment with emotionally relevant outcomes. This association is partially mediated by the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a key brain region of the reward circuit that is mainly composed by GABAergic medium spiny neurons (MSNs), that express either dopamine receptor D1 or D2. Recent studies showed that both populations can drive reward and aversion, however, the activity of these neurons during appetitive and aversive Pavlovian conditioning remains to be determined. Here, we investigated the relevance of D1- and D2-neurons in associative learning, by measuring calcium transients with fiber photometry during appetitive and aversive Pavlovian tasks in mice. Sucrose was used as a positive valence unconditioned stimulus (US) and foot shock was used as a negative valence US. We show that during appetitive Pavlovian conditioning, D1- and D2-neurons exhibit a general increase in activity in response to the conditioned stimuli (CS). Interestingly, D1- and D2-neurons present distinct changes in activity after sucrose consumption that dynamically evolve throughout learning. During the aversive Pavlovian conditioning, D1- and D2-neurons present an increase in the activity in response to the CS and to the US (shock). Our data support a model in which D1- and D2-neurons are concurrently activated during appetitive and aversive conditioning.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Deseyve, C.
Secondary author(s):
Domingues, A. V., Carvalho, T. T. A., Armada, G., Correia, R., Vieitas-Gaspar, N., Wezik, M., Pinto, L., Sousa, N., Coimbra, B., Rodrigues, A. J., Soares-Cunha, C.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Percentiles:
86.75|1.75
Reference:
Deseyve, C., Domingues, A. V., Carvalho, T. T. A., Armada, G., Correia, R., Vieitas-Gaspar, N., Wezik, M., Pinto, L., Sousa, N., Coimbra, B., Rodrigues, A. J., & Soares-Cunha, C. (2024). Nucleus accumbens neurons dynamically respond to appetitive and aversive associative learning. Journal of Neurochemistry, 168(3), 312–327. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.16063
2-year Impact Factor: 4|2024
Times cited: 9|2026-02-16
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: D1-neurons / D2-neurons / Pavlovian conditioning / Aversion / Nucleus accumbens / Reward

Nucleus accumbens neurons dynamically respond to appetitive and aversive associative learning

Nucleus accumbens neurons dynamically respond to appetitive and aversive associative learning
DocumentFinal report - Fear in action: How Pavlovian fear learning shapes goal-directed motor responses2024

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2020 Grants
Start date: 2021-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-047
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
047 - Fear in action: How Pavlovian fear learning shapes goal-directed motor responses
Duration: 2021-03 - 2024-03
Researcher(s):
Francesca Starita, Giuseppe di Pellegrino
Institution(s): Centre for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience - CsrNC, Department of Psychology, University of Bologna (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Starita, F.
Secondary author(s):
di Pellegrino, G.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Pavlovian learning / Goal-directed action / Motor cortex / Fear / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-047.01
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Final report - Fear in action: How Pavlovian fear learning shapes goal-directed motor responses
Publication year: 2024
Abstract/Results:
Abstract
Background
Environmental stimuli may acquire fear-related properties through pairing with an aversive event and may profoundly influence behavior. However, the cognitive and neural mechanisms through which aversive experiences shape future behavior remain still debatable.
Aims
The project aimed to re-evaluate the role that the motor system plays in the acquisition, storage and update of Pavlovian fears.
Method
Three studies were conducted involving a total of about 150 healthy young adults. In the experiments, participants learned to anticipate the occurrence of different somatosensory aversive events following the presentation of different visual stimuli (i.e. Pavlovian fear learning). Multiple methodologies were combined, i.e. kinematic analysis, double coil single pulse TMS, EEG and skin conductance response monitoring.
Results
Results provide unifying evidence that the activity of the cortical motor system is profoundly shaped by the acquisition, storage and update of Pavlovian fears. Indeed, fear learning modulated somatomotor neural oscillations, which in turn induced inhibition of the corticospinal system, and shaped goal-directed motor responses. Thus, we show that Pavlovian fears entail the acquisition of organized sets of sensori-motor contingencies associated with the expected aversive events, which in turn shape action.
Conclusions
This project significantly advances the mechanistic understanding of the acquisition, storage and update, revealing the so far neglected - but crucial - role of the cortical motor system. The inclusion of motor system responses into models of Pavlovian fears may bring to a new understanding of, and treatments for, maladaptive forms of fear learning, such as in anxiety- or pain-related disorders
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Starita, F.
Document type:
Final report
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Starita, F. (2024). Final report - Fear in action: How Pavlovian fear learning shapes goal-directed motor responses.
Indexed document: No
Keywords: Fear / Pavlovian conditioning / Pain anticipation / Pain anticipation / Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) / Electroencephalogram (EEG) / Skin conductance / Kinematic / Reaching / Goal-directed response / Psychophysiology

Final report - Fear in action: How Pavlovian fear learning shapes goal-directed motor responses

Final report - Fear in action: How Pavlovian fear learning shapes goal-directed motor responses
DocumentTopographically selective motor inhibition under threat of pain2024

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2020 Grants
Start date: 2021-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-047
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
047 - Fear in action: How Pavlovian fear learning shapes goal-directed motor responses
Duration: 2021-03 - 2024-03
Researcher(s):
Francesca Starita, Giuseppe di Pellegrino
Institution(s): Centre for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience - CsrNC, Department of Psychology, University of Bologna (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Starita, F.
Secondary author(s):
di Pellegrino, G.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Pavlovian learning / Goal-directed action / Motor cortex / Fear / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-047.13
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Topographically selective motor inhibition under threat of pain
Publication year: 2024
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003301
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Pain-related motor adaptations may be enacted predictively at the mere threat of pain, before pain occurrence. Yet, in humans, the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying motor adaptations in anticipation of pain remain poorly understood. We tracked the evolution of changes in corticospinal excitability (CSE) as healthy adults learned to anticipate the occurrence of lateralized, muscle-specific pain to the upper limb. Using a Pavlovian threat conditioning task, different visual stimuli predicted pain to the right or left forearm (experiment 1) or hand (experiment 2). During stimuli presentation before pain occurrence, single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation was applied over the left primary motor cortex to probe CSE and elicit motor evoked potentials from target right forearm and hand muscles. The correlation between participants' trait anxiety and CSE was also assessed. Results showed that threat of pain triggered corticospinal inhibition specifically in the limb where pain was expected. In addition, corticospinal inhibition was modulated relative to the threatened muscle, with threat of pain to the forearm inhibiting the forearm and hand muscles, whereas threat of pain to the hand inhibited the hand muscle only. Finally, stronger corticospinal inhibition correlated with greater trait anxiety. These results advance the mechanistic understanding of pain processes showing that pain-related motor adaptations are enacted at the mere threat of pain, as sets of anticipatory, topographically organized motor changes that are associated with the expected pain and are shaped by individual anxiety levels. Including such anticipatory motor changes into models of pain may lead to new treatments for pain-related disorders.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Betti, S.
Secondary author(s):
Badioli, M., Dalbagno, D., Garofalo, S., di Pellegrino, G., Starita, F.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Percentiles:
77.36|1.22
Reference:
Betti, S., Badioli, M., Dalbagno, D., Garofalo, S., di Pellegrino, G., & Starita, F. (2024). Topographically selective motor inhibition under threat of pain. Pain, 165(12), 2851–2862. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003301
2-year Impact Factor: 5.5|2024
Times cited: 4|2026-02-16
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Pavlovian conditioning / Fear conditioning / Threat learning / Pain anticipation / Corticospinal excitability / TMS / MEP / Skin conductance / Electrodermal activity / Noxious stimuli / Nociception / Fear of pain

Topographically selective motor inhibition under threat of pain

Topographically selective motor inhibition under threat of pain
DocumentLearning the time of pain in the human motor system2025

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2020 Grants
Start date: 2021-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-047
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
047 - Fear in action: How Pavlovian fear learning shapes goal-directed motor responses
Duration: 2021-03 - 2024-03
Researcher(s):
Francesca Starita, Giuseppe di Pellegrino
Institution(s): Centre for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience - CsrNC, Department of Psychology, University of Bologna (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Starita, F.
Secondary author(s):
di Pellegrino, G.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Pavlovian learning / Goal-directed action / Motor cortex / Fear / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-047.15
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Learning the time of pain in the human motor system
Publication year: 2025
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003730
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Although traditionally conceptualized as a sensory phenomenon, pain could also be framed as a motor issue. Yet, the role of the motor system in pain prediction remains poorly understood. Here, we test whether the human motor system can learn to predict the time of pain. In 2 experiments, distinct groups of participants learned that different visual cues predicted pain occurrence either shortly or long after cue onset. Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation was administered over the primary motor cortex to probe corticospinal excitability at 3 critical timepoints during cues presentation, namely long before, immediately before, and long after the time of pain. Bayesian informative hypothesis testing supported, for both experiments, the hypothesis that the motor system learns pain timing through sustained motor inhibition during pain anticipation. Specifically, independently of actual pain occurrence, corticospinal excitability decreased from cue onset, long before the time of pain, until the time of pain, and recovered once this had passed. In addition, stronger corticospinal inhibition long before the time of pain correlated with greater subjective temporal anticipation of pain occurrence, suggesting a role for the motor system in transforming physical time into subjective time. Sustained motor inhibition during pain anticipation may be adaptive for the preparation of prompt defensive behaviors. However, exaggerated motor inhibition may become maladaptive creating an anticipated sense of a pain that may never occur. In clinical settings, enhanced motor inhibition may interfere with therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring motor function and pain resolution.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Dalbagno, D.
Secondary author(s):
Betti, S., Garofalo, S., Mannari, V., di Pellegrino, G., Starita, F.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Percentiles:
0.00|0.00
Reference:
Dalbagno, D., Betti, S., Garofalo, S., Mannari, V., di Pellegrino, G., & Starita, F. (2025). Learning the time of pain in the human motor system. PAIN, 166(12), e715–e731. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003730
2-year Impact Factor: 5.5|2024
Impact factor notes: Impact factor not available yet for 2025
Times cited: 0|2026-02-17
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Pain anticipation / Corticospinal excitability / Event timing / Motor cortex / Pavlovian conditioning / Transcranial magnetic stimulation

Learning the time of pain in the human motor system

Learning the time of pain in the human motor system