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DocumentLong-latency interhemispheric interactions between motor-related areas and the primary motor cortex: a dual site TMS study2017

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-2016
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2016 Grants
Start date: 2017-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-298
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
298 - Empowering feedback connections in temporo-occipital network to boost visual perception of emotions
Duration: 2017-09 - 2019-10
Researcher(s):
Sara Borgomaneri, Marco Zanon, Alessio Avenanti, Caterina Bertini
Institution(s): Center for studies and research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Cesena (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final Report
Articles
Author: Borgomaneri, S.
Secondary author(s):
Zanon, M., Avenanti, A., Bertini, C.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Emotion perception / Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) / Cortical plasticity / Feedback connections / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-298.03
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Long-latency interhemispheric interactions between motor-related areas and the primary motor cortex: a dual site TMS study
Publication year: 2017
URL:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-13708-2
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
The primary motor cortex (M1) is highly influenced by premotor/motor areas both within and across hemispheres. Dual site transcranial magnetic stimulation (dsTMS) has revealed interhemispheric interactions mainly at early latencies. Here, we used dsTMS to systematically investigate long-latency causal interactions between right-hemisphere motor areas and the left M1 (lM1). We stimulated lM1 using a suprathreshold test stimulus (TS) to elicit motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) in the right hand. Either a suprathreshold or a subthreshold conditioning stimulus (CS) was applied over the right M1 (rM1), the right ventral premotor cortex (rPMv), the right dorsal premotor cortex (rPMd) or the supplementary motor area (SMA) prior to the TS at various CS-TS inter-stimulus intervals (ISIs: 40-150 ms). The CS strongly affected lM1 excitability depending on ISI, CS site and intensity. Inhibitory effects were observed independently of CS intensity when conditioning PMv, rM1 and SMA at a 40-ms ISI, with larger effects after PMv conditioning. Inhibition was observed with suprathreshold PMv and rM1 conditioning at a 150-ms ISI, while site-specific, intensity-dependent facilitation was detected at an 80-ms ISI. Thus, long-latency interhemispheric interactions, likely reflecting indirect cortico-cortical/cortico-subcortical pathways, cannot be reduced to nonspecific activation across motor structures. Instead, they reflect intensity-dependent, connection- and time-specific mechanisms.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Fiori, F.
Secondary author(s):
Chiappini, E., Candidi, M., Romei, V., Borgomaneri, S., Avenanti, A.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Fiori, F., Chiappini, E., Candidi, M., Romei, V., Borgomaneri, S., & Avenanti, A. (2017). Long-latency interhemispheric interactions between motor-related areas and the primary motor cortex: a dual site TMS study. Scientific Reports, 7, Article number: 14936. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-13708-2
2-year Impact Factor: 4.122|2017
Times cited: 51|2025-09-16
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Motor cortex / Neural circuits / Premotor cortex

Long-latency interhemispheric interactions between motor-related areas and the primary motor cortex: a dual site TMS study

Long-latency interhemispheric interactions between motor-related areas and the primary motor cortex: a dual site TMS study
File241 - The premotor roots of musical beat perception and imagery: A neurophysiological investigation2021-09

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-2020-241
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
241 - The premotor roots of musical beat perception and imagery: A neurophysiological investigation
Duration: 2021-09
Researcher(s):
Carlotta Lega, Virginia Penhune, Luigi Cattaneo
Institution(s): Department of Psychology, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Articles
Language: eng
Notes:
Ongoing project
Author: Lega, C.
Secondary author(s):
Penhune, V., Cattaneo, L.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Premotor cortex / Musical rhythm / Imagery / Perception / Psychophysiology
DocumentMirror Neurons2022

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-2018
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2018 Grants
Start date: 2019-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2018-344
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
344 - Encoding of the kinematics of observed actions in the responses of mirror neurons
Duration: 2019-04 - 2023-01
Researcher(s):
Antonino Casile
Institution(s): Center for Translational Neurophysiology - CTNSC, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Casile, A.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Mirror neurons / Action perception / Neurophysiology / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2018-344.04
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Mirror Neurons
Publication year: 2022
URL:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128196410001304?via%3Dihub
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
In our everyday life, we constantly interact with our con-specifics. These interactions rely, among other things, on a very fine-grained perception of their bodily movements. Compelling neurophysiological evidence in monkeys showed that this process is a sensory-motor accomplishment. Indeed, mirror neurons have been reported in the monkey brain that respond during both the execution and observation of actions. In this article, I will present a historical overview of the main experimental findings regarding mirror neurons in the monkey, together with their proposed theoretical interpretation. My goal is to sketch a picture of how the field has evolved from the original discovery and to provide the reader with the basic knowledge to critically analyze its rich and constantly growing literature.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Copyright/Reproduction:
By permission
Language:
eng
Author:
Casile, A.
Document type:
Book chapter
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Casile, A. (2022). Mirror neurons. In S. Della Sala (Ed.), Encyclopedia of behavioral neuroscience (2nd ed., Vol. 2, pp. 541–552). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-819641-0.00130-4
Indexed document: Yes
Keywords: Mirror neurons / Action observation / Action-observation network (AON) / Action execution / Motor cortex / Premotor cortex / Single-unit responses / Social interactions
DocumentNeurophysiological Markers of Premotor–Motor Network Plasticity Predict Motor Performance in Young and Older Adults2023

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-2018
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2018 Grants
Start date: 2019-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2018-347
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
347 - Driving synaptic plasticity in motor-to-visual neural pathways to enhance action prediction
Duration: 2019-10 - 2023-06
Researcher(s):
Alessio Avenanti, Marco Zanon
Institution(s): Department of Psychology, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Avenanti, A.
Secondary author(s):
Zanon, M.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Action observation / Prediction / Plasticity / Connectivity / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2018-347.28
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Neurophysiological Markers of Premotor–Motor Network Plasticity Predict Motor Performance in Young and Older Adults
Publication year: 2023
URL:
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/11/5/1464
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Aging is commonly associated with a decline in motor control and neural plasticity. Tuning cortico–cortical interactions between premotor and motor areas is essential for controlling fine manual movements. However, whether plasticity in premotor–motor circuits predicts hand motor abilities in young and elderly humans remains unclear. Here, we administered transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the ventral premotor cortex (PMv) and primary motor cortex (M1) using the cortico–cortical paired-associative stimulation (ccPAS) protocol to manipulate the strength of PMv-to-M1 connectivity in 14 young and 14 elderly healthy adults. We assessed changes in motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) during ccPAS as an index of PMv-M1 network plasticity. We tested whether the magnitude of MEP changes might predict interindividual differences in performance in two motor tasks that rely on premotor-motor circuits, i.e., the nine-hole pegboard test and a choice reaction task. Results show lower motor performance and decreased PMv-M1 network plasticity in elderly adults. Critically, the slope of MEP changes during ccPAS accurately predicted performance at the two tasks across age groups, with larger slopes (i.e., MEP increase) predicting better motor performance at baseline in both young and elderly participants. These findings suggest that physiological indices of PMv-M1 plasticity could provide a neurophysiological marker of fine motor control across age-groups.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Turrini, S.
Secondary author(s):
Bevacqua, N., Cataneo, A., Chiappini, E., Fiori, F., Battaglia, S., Romei, V., Avenanti, A.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Turrini, S., Bevacqua, N., Cataneo, A., Chiappini, E., Fiori, F., Battaglia, S., Romei, V., & Avenanti, A. (2023). Neurophysiological Markers of Premotor–Motor Network Plasticity Predict Motor Performance in Young and Older Adults. Biomedicines, 11(5), 1464. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11051464
2-year Impact Factor: 3.9|2023
Times cited: 24|2025-09-26
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Aging / Connectivity / Plasticity / Premotor cortex / Motor cortex / Motor performance / transcranial magnetic stimulation

Neurophysiological Markers of Premotor–Motor Network Plasticity Predict Motor Performance in Young and Older Adults

Neurophysiological Markers of Premotor–Motor Network Plasticity Predict Motor Performance in Young and Older Adults
DocumentA revision of the dorsal origin of the frontal aslant tract (FAT) in the superior frontal gyrus: A DWI-tractographic study2024

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-2020-150
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
150 - A swing between the inner and the outer worlds: Exploring the function of the frontal aslant tract with transcranial magnetic stimulation
Duration: 2021-09 - 2025-01
Researcher(s):
Luigi Cattaneo, Sara Parmigiani
Institution(s): Center for Mind/Brain Sciences - CIMeC, University of Trento (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Cattaneo, L.
Secondary author(s):
Parmigiani, S.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Medial frontal cortex / Frontal aslant tract / Motivation / Externally generated actions / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-150.02
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
A revision of the dorsal origin of the frontal aslant tract (FAT) in the superior frontal gyrus: A DWI-tractographic study
Publication year: 2024
URL:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00429-024-02778-4
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
The frontal aslant tract (FAT) is a white matter tract connecting the superior frontal gyrus (SFG) to the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). Its dorsal origin is identified in humans in the medial wall of the SFG, in the supplementary motor complex (SM-complex). However, empirical observation shows that many FAT fibres appear to originate from the dorsal, rather than medial, portion of the SFG. We quantitatively investigated the actual origin of FAT fibres in the SFG, specifically discriminating between terminations in the medial wall and in the convexity of the SFG. We analysed data from 105 subjects obtained from the Human Connectome Project (HCP) database. We parcelled the cortex of the IFG, dorsal SFG and medial SFG in several regions of interest (ROIs) ordered in a caudal-rostral direction, which served as seed locations for the generation of streamlines. Diffusion imaging data (DWI) was processed using a multi-shell multi-tissue CSD-based algorithm. Results showed that the number of streamlines originating from the dorsal wall of the SFG significantly exceeds those from the medial wall of the SFG. Connectivity patterns between ROIs indicated that FAT sub-bundles are segregated in parallel circuits ordered in a caudal-rostral direction. Such high degree of coherence in the streamline trajectory allows to establish pairs of homologous cortical parcels in the SFG and IFG. We conclude that the frontal origin of the FAT is found in both dorsal and medial surfaces of the superior frontal gyrus.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Tagliaferri, M.
Secondary author(s):
Amorosino, G., Voltolini, L., Giampiccolo, D., Avesani, P., Cattaneo, L.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Tagliaferri, M., Amorosino, G., Voltolini, L., Giampiccolo, D., Avesani, P., & Cattaneo, L. (2024). A revision of the dorsal origin of the frontal aslant tract (FAT) in the superior frontal gyrus: A DWI-tractographic study. Brain Structure & Function, 229(4), 987–999. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00429-024-02778-4
2-year Impact Factor: 2.9|2024
Times cited: 1|2025-09-26
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Anatomy / Medial prefrontal cortex / Premotor cortex / Supplementary motor area / Tractography / Ventral prefrontal cortex

A revision of the dorsal origin of the frontal aslant tract (FAT) in the superior frontal gyrus: A DWI-tractographic study

A revision of the dorsal origin of the frontal aslant tract (FAT) in the superior frontal gyrus: A DWI-tractographic study
DocumentSpike-timing-dependent plasticity induction reveals dissociable supplementary– and premotor–motor pathways to automatic imitation2024

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-2022
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2022 Grants
Start date: 2023-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022-304
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
304 - Boosting and hindering action imitation by modulating spike-timing dependent plasticity
Duration: 2023-10
Researcher(s):
Alessio Avenanti, Chiara Spaccasassi, Sonia Turrini, Antonio Cataneo
Institution(s): Department of Psychology, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Articles
Language: eng
Notes:
Ongoing project
Author: Avenanti, A.
Secondary author(s):
Spaccasassi, C., Turrini, S., Cataneo, A.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022-304.12
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Spike-timing-dependent plasticity induction reveals dissociable supplementary– and premotor–motor pathways to automatic imitation
Publication year: 2024
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.240492512
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Humans tend to spontaneously imitate others’ behavior, even when detrimental to the task at hand. The action observation network (AON) is consistently recruited during imitative tasks. However, whether automatic imitation is mediated by cortico-cortical projections from AON regions to the primary motor cortex (M1) remains speculative. Similarly, the potentially dissociable role of AON-to-M1 pathways involving the ventral premotor cortex (PMv) or supplementary motor area (SMA) in automatic imitation is unclear. Here, we used cortico-cortical paired associative stimulation (ccPAS) to enhance or hinder effective connectivity in PMv-to-M1 and SMA-to-M1 pathways via Hebbian spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) to test their functional relevance to automatic and voluntary motor imitation. ccPAS affected behavior under competition between task rules and prepotent visuomotor associations underpinning automatic imitation. Critically, we found dissociable effects of manipulating the strength of the two pathways. While strengthening PMv-to-M1 projections enhanced automatic imitation, weakening them hindered it. On the other hand, strengthening SMA-to-M1 projections reduced automatic imitation but also reduced interference from task-irrelevant cues during voluntary imitation. Our study demonstrates that driving Hebbian STDP in AON-to-M1 projections induces opposite effects on automatic imitation that depend on the targeted pathway. Our results provide direct causal evidence of the functional role of PMv-to-M1 projections for automatic imitation, seemingly involved in spontaneously mirroring observed actions and facilitating the tendency to imitate them. Moreover, our findings support the notion that SMA exerts an opposite gating function, controlling M1 to prevent overt motor behavior when inadequate to the context.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Turrini, S.
Secondary author(s):
Fiori, F., Bevacqua, N., Saracini, C., Lucero, B., Candidi, M., Avenanti, A.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Turrini, S., Fiori, F., Bevacqua, N., Saracini, C., Lucero, B., Candidi, M., & Avenanti, A. (2024). Spike-timing-dependent plasticity induction reveals dissociable supplementary– and premotor–motor pathways to automatic imitation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 121(27), e2404925121. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2404925121
2-year Impact Factor: 9.1|2024
Times cited: 9|2025-09-27
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: imitation / premotor cortex / Hebbian plasticity / transcranial magnetic stimulation

Spike-timing-dependent plasticity induction reveals dissociable supplementary– and premotor–motor pathways to automatic imitation

Spike-timing-dependent plasticity induction reveals dissociable supplementary– and premotor–motor pathways to automatic imitation
DocumentYou are as old as the connectivity you keep: Distinct neurophysiological mechanisms underlying age-related changes in hand dexterity and strength2025

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-2022
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2022 Grants
Start date: 2023-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022-304
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
304 - Boosting and hindering action imitation by modulating spike-timing dependent plasticity
Duration: 2023-10
Researcher(s):
Alessio Avenanti, Chiara Spaccasassi, Sonia Turrini, Antonio Cataneo
Institution(s): Department of Psychology, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Articles
Language: eng
Notes:
Ongoing project
Author: Avenanti, A.
Secondary author(s):
Spaccasassi, C., Turrini, S., Cataneo, A.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022-304.14
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
You are as old as the connectivity you keep: Distinct neurophysiological mechanisms underlying age-related changes in hand dexterity and strength
Publication year: 2025
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arcmed.2024.103031
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Background: Aging can lead to a decline in motor control. While age-related motor impairments have been documented, the underlying changes in cortico-cortical interactions remain poorly understood.
Methods: We took advantage of the high temporal resolution of dual-site transcranial magnetic stimulation (dsTMS) to investigate how communication between higher-order rostral premotor regions and the primary motor cortex (M1) influences motor control in young and elderly adults. We assessed the dynamics of connectivity from the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) or pre-supplementary motor area (preSMA) to M1, by testing how conditioning of the IFG/preSMA affected the amplitude of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) induced by M1 stimulation at different temporal intervals. Moreover, we explored how age-related changes in premotor-M1 interactions relate to motor performance.
Results: Our results show that both young and elderly adults had excitatory IFG-M1 and preSMA-M1 interactions, but the two groups' timing and strength differed. In young adults, IFG-M1 interactions were early and time-specific (8 ms), whereas in older individuals, they were delayed and more prolonged (12-16 ms). PreSMA-M1 interactions emerged early (6 ms) and peaked at 10-12 ms in young individuals but were attenuated in older individuals. Critically, a connectivity profile of the IFG-M1 circuit like that of the young cohort predicted better dexterity in older individuals, while preserved preSMA-M1 interactions predicted greater strength, suggesting that age-related motor decline is associated with specific changes in premotor-motor networks.
Conclusions: Preserving youthful motor network connectivity in older individuals is related to maintaining motor performance and providing information for interventions targeting aging effects on behavior.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Chiappini, E.
Secondary author(s):
Turrini, S., Fiori, F., Benassi, M., Tessari, A., di Pellegrino, G., Avenanti, A.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Chiappini, E., Turrini, S., Fiori, F., Benassi, M., Tessari, A., di Pellegrino, G., & Avenanti, A. (2025). You are as old as the connectivity you keep: Distinct neurophysiological mechanisms underlying age-related changes in hand dexterity and strength. Archives of Medical Research, 56(1), 103031. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arcmed.2024.103031
2-year Impact Factor: 3.4|2024
Impact factor notes: Impact factor not available yet for 2025
Times cited: 5|2025-09-27
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Aging / Brain connectome / Hand strength / Motor skills / Premotor cortex / Transcranial magnetic stimulation

You are as old as the connectivity you keep: Distinct neurophysiological mechanisms underlying age-related changes in hand dexterity and strength

You are as old as the connectivity you keep: Distinct neurophysiological mechanisms underlying age-related changes in hand dexterity and strength
DocumentTopography of functional organization of beat perception in human premotor cortex: Causal evidence from a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) study2025

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-2020-241
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
241 - The premotor roots of musical beat perception and imagery: A neurophysiological investigation
Duration: 2021-09
Researcher(s):
Carlotta Lega, Virginia Penhune, Luigi Cattaneo
Institution(s): Department of Psychology, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Articles
Language: eng
Notes:
Ongoing project
Author: Lega, C.
Secondary author(s):
Penhune, V., Cattaneo, L.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Premotor cortex / Musical rhythm / Imagery / Perception / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-241.05
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Topography of functional organization of beat perception in human premotor cortex: Causal evidence from a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) study
Publication year: 2025
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1002/hbm.70225
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Humans can flexibly extract a regular beat from complex rhythmic auditory patterns, as often occurs in music. Contemporary models of beat perception suggest that the premotor cortex (PMC) and the supplementary motor area (SMA) are integral to this process. However, how these motor planning regions actively contribute to beat perception, along with any potential hemispheric specialization, remains open questions. Therefore, following the validation of stimuli in a behavioral experiment (Experiment I, N = 29, 12 males, mean age = 23.8 ± 0.7 years), we employed transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to test the causal contribution of these regions to beat perception. In Experiment II (N = 40, 16 males, mean age = 23.2 ± 2.37 years), we applied online repetitive TMS (rTMS) over a defined grid encompassing the right rostral and caudal dPMC, SMA, and pre-SMA, and a sham control location. Results showed that stimulation of the caudal portion of right dPMC selectively affected beat perception compared to all other regions. In Experiment III (preregistered, N = 42, 17 males, mean age = 23.5 ± 2.61 years), we tested the lateralization of this contribution by applying rTMS over right and left caudal dPMC. Our results showed that only stimulation over right, but not left, dPMC modulated beat perception. Finally, across all three experiments, individual differences in musical reward predicted beat perception sensitivity. Together, these results support the causal role of the right dPMC in generating internal action predictions and perceptual expectations regarding ongoing sequential events, in line with recent models emphasizing the role of the dorsal auditory stream in beat-based temporal perception. These findings offer valuable insights into the functional organization of the premotor cortex, contributing to a deeper understanding of the neural mechanisms involved in human rhythm perception.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Lazzari, G.
Secondary author(s):
Costantini, G., La Rocca, S., Massironi, A., Cattaneo, L., Penhune, V., Lega, C.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Lazzari, G., Costantini, G., La Rocca, S., Massironi, A., Cattaneo, L., Penhune, V., & Lega, C. (2025). Topography of functional organization of beat perception in human premotor cortex: Causal evidence from a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) study. Human Brain Mapping, 46(7), e70225. https://doi.org/10.1002/hbm.70225
2-year Impact Factor: 3.3|2024
Impact factor notes: Impact factor not available yet for 2025
Times cited: 0|2025-09-27
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Music / Premotor cortex / Rhythm perception / Supplementary motor areas / Transcranial magnetic stimulation

Topography of functional organization of beat perception in human premotor cortex: Causal evidence from a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) study

Topography of functional organization of beat perception in human premotor cortex: Causal evidence from a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) study