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DocumentFinal report - Does cortical excitability predict out of body experience and anomalous perception in the non-clinical population?2018

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-2016-086
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
086 - Does cortical excitability predict out of body experience and anomalous perception in the non-clinical population?
Duration: 2017-09 - 2018-12
Researcher(s):
Elizabeth Milne
Institution(s): Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield (UK)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Article
Author: Milne, E.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Electroencephalogram (EEG) / Cortical excitability / Anomalous perception / Psychophysiology and Parapsychology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-086.01
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Final report - Does cortical excitability predict out of body experience and anomalous perception in the non-clinical population?
Publication year: 2018
Abstract/Results:
ABSTRACT:
It has been suggested that individual differences in cortical excitability may explain why some people have out of body experiences (OBE) in the absence of any known pathological or psychiatric condition. Here we recorded EEG from people who either had, or had not experienced an OBE in order to investigate the neural dynamics of OBE in the non-clinical population. Specifically, we measured visually induced perturbations to on-going EEG activity, as well as resting levels of baseline EEG power, in order to test the hypotheses that EEG variables reflecting the timing and integration of visual information processing and the balance of neural excitation : inhibition may differ between those who have had an OBE and those who have not. A screening questionnaire was completed by 551 people, 24% of whom reported having at least one OBE. Participants who were free of any psychiatric or neurological diagnoses, including migraines, were invited to take part in EEG recording. EEG data were obtained from 19 people who had had an OBE and 20 who had not. Amplitude of the P1 ERP deflection, consistency of alpha-band phase locking and spontaneous gamma-band power were significantly reduced in the participants who had had an OBE. These results provide support for the claim that cortical differences, particularly with respect to the timing of visual information processing, may give rise to OBE in clinically healthy individuals. To our knowledge, this study is the first to compare EEG variables obtained from people who have, and have not, had an OBE.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Milne, E.
Document type:
Final report
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Milne, E. (2018). Final report - Does cortical excitability predict out of body experience and anomalous perception in the non-clinical population?
Indexed document: No
Keywords: Out-of-body-experience / EEG / Alpha oscillations / Inter-trial coherence / Anomalous perception

Final report - Does cortical excitability predict out of body experience and anomalous perception in the non-clinical population?

Final report - Does cortical excitability predict out of body experience and anomalous perception in the non-clinical population?
DocumentFinal report - Are free will and moral responsibility real or illusory? On the causal role of consciousness in decision-making, a combined EEG and intracranial study2018

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-2014
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2014 Grants
Start date: 2015-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2014-388
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
388 - Are free will and moral responsibility real or illusory? On the causal role of consciousness in decision-making, a combined EEG and intracranial study
Duration: 2016-02 - 2019-06
Researcher(s):
Uri M. Maoz
Institution(s): California Institute of Technology - Caltech, Pasadena, (USA)
Abstract/Results: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Maoz, U.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Decision Making / Role of Consciousness in Decision Making / Free Will and Moral Responsibility / Decision Reversals / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2014-388.01
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Final report - Are free will and moral responsibility real or illusory? On the causal role of consciousness in decision-making, a combined EEG and intracranial study
Publication year: 2018
Abstract/Results:
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
The onset of the readiness potential (RP)—a key neural correlate of upcoming action—was repeatedly found to precede subjects’ reports of having made an internal decision. This has been taken by some as evidence against a causal role for consciousness in human decision-making and thus as a denial of free-will. Yet those studies focused on purposeless, unreasoned, arbitrary decisions, bereft of consequences. It remains unknown to what degree these specific neural precursors of action generalize to deliberate decisions, which are more ecological and relevant to real life, and certainly pertain more to the realm of moral responsibility.
AIMS
We aimed to test whether arbitrary and deliberate decision-making share the same neural mechanisms. In particular, we wanted to test whether the RP is similar between arbitrary and deliberate decisions.
METHOD
We directly compared the neural correlates of deliberate and arbitrary decision-making during a $1000-donation task to non profit organizations using EEG.
RESULTS
While we found the expected RPs for arbitrary decisions, they were strikingly absent for deliberate ones.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results are congruent with the RP representing the accumulation of noisy, random fluctuations, which drive arbitrary—but not deliberate—decisions. The absence of RPs in deliberate decisions challenges the generalizability of studies that argue for no causal role for consciousness in decision making from arbitrary to deliberate, real-life decisions.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Maoz, U.
Document type:
Final report
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Maoz, U. (2018). Final report - Are free will and moral responsibility real or illusory? On the causal role of consciousness in decision-making, a combined EEG and intracranial study.
Indexed document: No
Keywords: Volition / Decision-making / EEG / Deliberate decisions / Arbitrary decisions

Final report - Are free will and moral responsibility real or illusory? On the causal role of consciousness in decision-making, a combined EEG and intracranial study

Final report - Are free will and moral responsibility real or illusory? On the causal role of consciousness in decision-making, a combined EEG and intracranial study
DocumentFinal report - Neural mechanisms of dream recall: Electrophysiological differences between young and older adults2019

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-2016-032
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
032 - Neural mechanisms of dream recall: Electrophysiological differences between young and older adults
Duration: 2017-04 - 2019-09
Researcher(s):
Serena Scarpelli, Luigi De Gennaro, Anastasia Mangiaruga, Chiara Bartolacci
Institution(s): Department of Psychology, University of Rome “La Sapienza” (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Author: Scarpeli, S.
Secondary author(s):
De Gennaro, L., Mangiaruga, A., Bartolacci, C.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Dream recall / Aging / Electroencephalogram (EEG) / Oscillatory activity / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-032.01
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Final report - Neural mechanisms of dream recall: Electrophysiological differences between young and older adults
Publication year: 2019
Abstract/Results:
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND
Neural correlates of dream recall (DR) in elderly people are still largely unknown. Previous studies in older adults found a general decrease in DR and with the notable exception of Chellappa et al. (2009) no investigations have been carried out on EEG correlates of DR in aging.
AIM
Our study aimed to investigate whether specific EEG patterns during sleep in elderly predict a subsequent DR.
Method: 40 healthy older and 40 young adults were recorded with polysomnography: 21 older subjects were awakened from REM sleep and 19 older subjects from stage 2 NREM sleep; 20 young subjects were awakened from REM sleep and 20 young subjects from stage 2. DRs were collected upon morning awakening from both stages. EEG power spectra of the total sleep and of the last 5 min were calculated by Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). The algorithm to detect oscillatory activity was applied on the last 5 min of sleep.
RESULTS
The two-way ANOVAs Recall X Age performed on the EEG power bands showed no main effect of Recall neither significant interaction for REM sleep as well as NREM sleep. Only a significant main effect of Age was observed both for total sleep and the last 5 min, during REM and NREM sleep. The analysis of oscillatory activity revealed that frontal theta oscillations during the last 5 min of REM sleep are related to DR, without any age-effect.
CONCLUSIONS
Our result replicated the previous evidence in young subjects and it is completely new for older individuals, showing that the theta oscillations play a pivotal role in the retrieval of dreaming also in this population. The findings are in line with the Continuity Hypothesis between waking and sleep mental functioning from a neurobiological viewpoint.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Scarpelli, S.
Secondary author(s):
De Gennaro, L., Mangiaruga, A., Bartolacci, C.
Document type:
Final report
Number of reproductions:
1
Indexed document:
No
Keywords: Dream recall / Dreaming / EEG / Older adults / REM sleep / NREM sleep / Theta oscillations

Final report - Neural mechanisms of dream recall: Electrophysiological differences between young and older adults

Final report - Neural mechanisms of dream recall: Electrophysiological differences between young and older adults
DocumentIncreased heartbeat-evoked potential during REM sleep in nightmare disorder2019

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-2012
Location: SEC PCA
Title:
2012 Grants
Start date: 2013-02

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2012-225
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 12/2012
Title:
225 - Roles of the reward system in sleep, dreaming, and the consolidation of emotional memories
Duration: 2013-10 - 2016-02
Researcher(s):
Sophie Schwartz, Lampros Perogamvros, Kristoffer Aberg, Virginie Sterpenich
Institution(s): Geneva Neuroscience Center, University of Geneva (Switzerland)
Contents: Contents:
Bursary agreement
Application form
Correspondence
Progress reports
Final report
Article
Language: eng
Author:
Schwartz, S.
Secondary author(s):
Perogamvros, L., Aberg, K., Sterpenich, V.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Psychophysiology / Sleep and dreams / Biopsychological problems / Mental health / Sleep disorders / Cognitive processes / Memory / Emotion / Brain structure and function

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2012-225.07
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 12/2012
Title:
Increased heartbeat-evoked potential during REM sleep in nightmare disorder
Publication year: 2019
URL:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6370851/
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT
Nightmares are characterized by the experience of strong negative emotions occurring mainly during REM sleep. Some people suffer from nightmare disorder, which is defined by the repeated occurrence of nightmares and by significant distress in wakefulness. Yet, whether frequent nightmares relate to a general increase in emotional reactivity or arousal during sleep remains unclear. To address this question, we recorded heartbeat-evoked potentials (HEPs) during wakefulness, NREM and REM sleep in patients with nightmare disorder and healthy participants. The HEP represents a cortical (EEG) response to the heartbeat and indexes brain-body interactions, such as interoceptive processing and intrinsic levels of arousal. HEP amplitude is typically increased during states of high emotional arousal and motivation, and is decreased in depression. Here we compared the amplitude of HEPs between nightmare patients and healthy controls separately during AWAKE, NREM, REM periods, and found higher HEP amplitude in nightmare patients compared to healthy controls over a cluster of frontal regions only during REM sleep. This effect was not paralleled by any group difference in cardiac control measures (e.g. heart rate variability, interbeat interval). These findings corroborate the notion that nightmares are essentially a REM pathology and suggest that increased emotional arousal during REM sleep, as measured by HEP, is a physiological condition responsible for frequent nightmares. This result also supports that HEP may be used as a biomarker of increased emotional and sensory processing during REM sleep in these patients.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Perogamvros, L.
Secondary author(s):
Park, H.-D., Bayer, L., Perrault, A., Blanke, O., Schwartz, S.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Perogamvros, L., Park, H.-D., Bayer, L., Perrault, A., Blanke, O., & Schwartz, S. (2019). Increased heartbeat-evoked potential during REM sleep in nightmare disorder. NeuroImage Clinical, 22: 101701. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nicl.2019.101701
2-year Impact Factor: 4.350|2019
Times cited: 48|2025-09-17
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: Nightmares / REM sleep / Heartbeat-evoked potential / EEG / Emotional arousal

Increased heartbeat-evoked potential during REM sleep in nightmare disorder

Increased heartbeat-evoked potential during REM sleep in nightmare disorder
DocumentOscillatory EEG activity during REM sleep in elderly people predicts subsequent dream recall after awakenings2019

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-2016-032
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
032 - Neural mechanisms of dream recall: Electrophysiological differences between young and older adults
Duration: 2017-04 - 2019-09
Researcher(s):
Serena Scarpelli, Luigi De Gennaro, Anastasia Mangiaruga, Chiara Bartolacci
Institution(s): Department of Psychology, University of Rome “La Sapienza” (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Author: Scarpeli, S.
Secondary author(s):
De Gennaro, L., Mangiaruga, A., Bartolacci, C.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Dream recall / Aging / Electroencephalogram (EEG) / Oscillatory activity / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-032.08
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Oscillatory EEG activity during REM sleep in elderly people predicts subsequent dream recall after awakenings
Publication year: 2019
URL:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2019.00985/full
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT
Several findings underlined that the electrophysiological (EEG) background of the last segment of sleep before awakenings may predict the presence/absence of dream recall (DR) in young subjects. However, little is known about the EEG correlates of DR in elderly people. Only an investigation found differences between recall and non-recall conditions during NREM sleep EEG in older adults, while—surprisingly—no EEG predictor of DR was found for what concerns REM sleep. Considering REM sleep as a privileged scenario to produce mental sleep activity related to cognitive processes, our study aimed to investigate whether specific EEG topography and frequency changes during REM sleep in elderly people may predict a subsequent recall of mental sleep activity. Twenty-one healthy older volunteers (mean age 69.2 ± 6.07 SD) and 20 young adults (mean age 23.4 ± 2.76 SD) were recorded for one night from 19 scalp derivations. Dreams were collected upon morning awakenings from REM sleep. EEG signals of the last 5 min were analyzed by the Better OSCillation algorithm to detect the peaks of oscillatory activity in both groups. Statistical comparisons revealed that older as well as young individuals recall their dream experience when the last segment of REM sleep is characterized by frontal theta oscillations. No Recall (Recall vs. Non-Recall) × Age (Young vs. Older) interaction was found. This result replicated the previous evidence in healthy young subjects, as shown in within- and between-subjects design. The findings are completely original for older individuals, demonstrating that theta oscillations are crucial for the retrieval of dreaming also in this population. Furthermore, our results did not confirm a greater presence of the theta activity in healthy aging. Conversely, we found a greater amount of rhythmic theta and alpha activity in young than older participants. It is worth noting that the theta oscillations detected are related to cognitive functioning. We emphasize the notion that the oscillatory theta activity should be distinguished from the non-rhythmic theta activity identified in relation to other phenomena such as (a) sleepiness and hypoarousal conditions during the waking state and (b) cortical slowing, considered as an EEG alteration in clinical samples.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Scarpelli, S.
Secondary author(s):
D'Atri, A., Bartolacci, C., Mangiaruga, A., Gorgoni, M., De Gennaro, L.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Scarpelli, S., D'Atri, A., Bartolacci, C., Mangiaruga, A., Gorgoni, M., & De Gennaro, L. (2019). Oscillatory EEG activity during REM sleep in elderly people predicts subsequent dream recall after awakening. Frontiers in Neurology, 10, 985. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2019.00985
2-year Impact Factor: 2.889|2019
Times cited: 16|2025-09-17
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: Dream recall / Dreaming / Elderly / Older adults / Theta oscillations / REM sleep / EEG / Oscillatory activity

Oscillatory EEG activity during REM sleep in elderly people predicts subsequent dream recall after awakenings

Oscillatory EEG activity during REM sleep in elderly people predicts subsequent dream recall after awakenings
DocumentPredicting response originality through brain activity: An analysis of changes in EEG alpha power during the generation of alternative ideas2019

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-2016-298.12
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Predicting response originality through brain activity: An analysis of changes in EEG alpha power during the generation of alternative ideas
Publication year: 2019
URL:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053811919309760
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Growing neurophysiological evidence points to a role of alpha oscillations in divergent thinking (DT). In particular, studies have shown a consistent EEG alpha synchronization during performance on the Alternative Uses Task (AUT), a well-established DT task. However, there is a need for investigating the brain dynamics underlying the production of a sequence of multiple, alternative ideas at the AUT and their relationship with idea originality. In twenty young adults, we investigated changes in alpha power during performance on a structured version of the AUT, requiring to ideate four alternative uses for conventional objects in distinct and sequentially balanced time periods. Data analysis followed a three-step approach, including behaviour aspects, physiology aspects, and their mutual relationship. At the behavioural level, we observed a typical serial order effect during DT production, with an increase of originality associated with an increase in ideational time and a decrease in response percentage over the four responses. This pattern was paralleled by a shift from alpha desynchronization to alpha synchronization across production of the four alternative ideas. Remarkably, alpha power changes were able to explain response originality, with a differential role of alpha power over different sensor sites. In particular, alpha synchronization over frontal, central, and temporal sites was able to predict the generation of original ideas in the first phases of the DT process, whereas alpha synchronization over centro-parietal sites persistently predicted response originality during the entire DT production. Moreover, a bilateral hemispheric effect in frontal sites and a left-lateralized effect in central, temporal, and parietal sensor sites emerged as predictors of the increase in response originality. These findings highlight the temporal dynamics of DT production across the generation of alternative ideas and support a partially distinct functional role of specific cortical areas during DT.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Agnoli, S.
Secondary author(s):
Zanon, M., Mastria, S., Avenanti, A., Corazza, G. E.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Agnoli, S., Zanon, M., Mastria, S., Avenanti, A., & Corazza, G. E. (2019). Predicting response originality through brain activity: An analysis of changes in EEG alpha power during the generation of alternative ideas. NeuroImage, 207: 116385. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.116385
2-year Impact Factor: 5.902|2019
Times cited: 56|2025-09-17
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: EEG / Alpha power / Originality / Idea generation / Divergent-thinking / Temporal dynamics / Creativity

Predicting response originality through brain activity: An analysis of changes in EEG alpha power during the generation of alternative ideas

Predicting response originality through brain activity: An analysis of changes in EEG alpha power during the generation of alternative ideas
DocumentChapter 11 - Brain-computer interfaces for consciousness assessment and communication in severely brain-injured patients2020

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: NDE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Characterization of “Near-Death Experiences” through the comparison of experiencers and non-experiencers’ particularities: inter-individual differences in cognitive characteristics and susceptibility to false memories
Duration: 2016-03 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Steven Laureys, Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol
Institution(s): Coma Science Group, University of Liège (Belgium)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Laureys, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Near-death experience / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Reference code: NDE-52
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Chapter 11 - Brain-computer interfaces for consciousness assessment and communication in severely brain-injured patients
Publication year: 2020
URL:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780444639349000111
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) suffer from awareness deficits. Comorbidities such as motor disabilities or visual problems hamper clinical assessments, which can lead to misdiagnosis of the level of consciousness and render the patient unable to communicate. Objective measures of consciousness can reduce the risk of misdiagnosis and could enable patients to communicate by voluntarily modulating their brain activity. This chapter gives an overview of the literature regarding brain-computer interface (BCI) research in DOC patients. Different auditory, visual, and motor imagery paradigms are discussed, alongside their corresponding advantages and disadvantages. At this point, the use of BCIs for DOC patients in clinical applications is still preliminary. However, perspectives on the improvements in BCIs for DOC patients seem positive, and implementation during rehabilitation shows promise.
Accessibility: Document does not exist in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Annen, J.
Secondary author(s):
Laureys, S., Gosseries, O.
Document type:
Book chapter
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Annen, J., Laureys, S., & Gosseries, O. (2020). Chapter 11 - Brain-computer interfaces for consciousness assessment and communication in severely brain-injured patients. Handbook of Clinical Neurology, 168, 137-152. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-63934-9.00011-1
Indexed document: Yes
Keywords: Awareness / Command following / Disorders of consciousness / EEG / Locked-in syndrome / Minimally conscious state / P300 / Unresponsive wakefulness syndrome
DocumentThe somatotopy of observed emotions2020

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-2016-044
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
044 - Inducing and measuring plasticity in response control mechanisms in the human brain
Duration: 2017-10 - 2021-09
Researcher(s):
Alejandra Sel de Felipe, Matthew Rushworth
Institution(s): Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford (UK)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Author: Sel, A.
Secondary author(s):
Rushworth, M.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Cognitive control / Response inhibition / Cortical plasticity / Neurostimulation / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-044.03
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
The somatotopy of observed emotions
Publication year: 2020
URL:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0010945220301386
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
The ability to experience others' emotional states is a key component in social interactions. Uniquely among sensorimotor regions, the somatosensory cortex (SCx) plays an especially important role in human emotion understanding. While distinct emotions are experienced in specific parts of the body, it remains unknown whether the SCx exhibits somatotopic activations to different emotional expressions. In the current study, we investigated if the affective response triggered by observing others' emotional face expressions leads to differential activations in SCx. Participants performed a visual facial emotion discrimination task while we measured changes in SCx topographic EEG activity by tactually stimulating two body-parts representative of the upper and lower limbs, the finger and the toe respectively. The results of the study showed an emotion specific response in the finger SCx when observing angry as opposed to sad emotional expressions, after controlling for carry-over effects of visual evoked activity. This dissociation to observed emotions was not present in toe somatosensory responses. Our results suggest that somatotopic activations of the SCx to discrete emotions might play a crucial role in understanding others’ emotions.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Copyright/Reproduction:
By permission
Language:
eng
Author:
Sel, A.
Secondary author(s):
Calvo-Merino, B., Tsakiris, M., Forster, B.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Sel, A., Calvo-Merino, B., Tsakiris, M., & Forster, B. (2020). The somatotopy of observed emotions. Cortex, 129, 11-22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cortex.2020.04.002
2-year Impact Factor: 4.027|2020
Times cited: 11|2025-09-18
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Emotions / Somatosensory cortex / Embodiment / EEG / Somatotopic responses
DocumentFinal report - When prediction errs: Examining the brain dynamics of altered saliency in self-voice perception2020

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-2016-238
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
238 - When prediction errs: Examining the brain dynamics of altered saliency in self-voice perception
Duration: 2017-03 - 2020-01
Researcher(s):
Ana Pinheiro, Sonja Kotz, Michael Schwartze
Institution(s): Faculdade de Psicologia da Universidade de Lisboa (Portugal); Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Maastricht (The Netherlands)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Author: Pinheiro, A. P.
Secondary author(s):
Kotz, S., Schwartz, M.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Self-voice / Prediction / Saliency / Electroencephalogram (EEG) / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-238.01
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Final report - When prediction errs: Examining the brain dynamics of altered saliency in self-voice perception
Publication year: 2020
URL:
https://www.bial.com/media/3231/when-prediction-errs.pdf
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
The subjective experience of speech seems to be governed by predicting the sensory consequences of own voice (OV) production. However, existing studies fail to account for the effects of emotional salience in speech and how it affects prediction and prediction errors when what we hear is not what we intended.
AIMS
The current project investigated the effect of change in OV quality on sensory feedback to self-generated and externally generated vocalizations, combining EEG and fMRI.
METHOD
Twenty-six healthy participants vocalized the syllable “ah” with neutral, angry, and pleasure intonation. These vocalizations were morphed to generate neutral-to-angry and neutral-to-pleasure continua. In the EEG study, they listened to OV step wise changing from fully neutral to fully emotional via button-press (active) and listening (passive) conditions. In the fMRI study, participants heard the OV, an uncertain-voice (UV) and other-voice (OTV) in active and passive conditions.
RESULTS
N1 suppression was reduced in response to changes in OV that represented an increase in emotional quality. In the fMRI study, the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) displayed characteristic feedback-error processing: its activity increased as divergence from expected OV quality increased; the anterior superior temporal gyrus (STG) displayed characteristic motor-induced suppression of OV.
CONCLUSIONS
Sensory suppression to self-generated OV, reflected in N1 amplitude modulations, varies as a function of the perceived salience of auditory feedback that does not match the prediction, substantiating the link between emotion and sensory prediction.
Two different roles of error-monitoring and identity-attribution in OV perception were identified: IFG activity increases with more divergence from qualities of OV, whereas the STG is involved in self-attribution via motor-induced suppression of expected voice stimuli. Future studies should investigate if alterations in these processes are related to variability in hallucination predisposition.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Pinheiro, A. P.
Document type:
Final report
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Pinheiro, A. P. (2020). Final report - When prediction errs: Examining the brain dynamics of altered saliency in self-voice perception.
Indexed document: No
Keywords: Sensory prediction / Voice / Emotion / EEG / fMRI

Final report - When prediction errs: Examining the brain dynamics of altered saliency in self-voice perception

Final report - When prediction errs: Examining the brain dynamics of altered saliency in self-voice perception
DocumentDream recall upon awakening from non-rapid eye movement sleep in older adults: Electrophysiological pattern and qualitative features2020

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-2016-032
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
032 - Neural mechanisms of dream recall: Electrophysiological differences between young and older adults
Duration: 2017-04 - 2019-09
Researcher(s):
Serena Scarpelli, Luigi De Gennaro, Anastasia Mangiaruga, Chiara Bartolacci
Institution(s): Department of Psychology, University of Rome “La Sapienza” (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Author: Scarpeli, S.
Secondary author(s):
De Gennaro, L., Mangiaruga, A., Bartolacci, C.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Dream recall / Aging / Electroencephalogram (EEG) / Oscillatory activity / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-032.09
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Dream recall upon awakening from non-rapid eye movement sleep in older adults: Electrophysiological pattern and qualitative features
Publication year: 2020
URL:
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/10/6/343/htm
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Several findings support the activation hypothesis, positing that cortical arousal promotes dream recall (DR). However, most studies have been carried out on young participants, while the electrophysiological (EEG) correlates of DR in older people are still mostly unknown. We aimed to test the activation hypothesis on 20 elders, focusing on the Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep stage. All the subjects underwent polysomnography, and a dream report was collected upon their awakening from NREM sleep. Nine subjects were recallers (RECs) and 11 were non-RECs (NRECs). The delta and beta EEG activity of the last 5 min and the total NREM sleep was calculated by Fast Fourier Transform. Statistical comparisons (RECs vs. NRECs) revealed no differences in the last 5 min of sleep. Significant differences were found in the total NREM sleep: the RECs showed lower delta power over the parietal areas than the NRECs. Consistently, statistical comparisons on the activation index (delta/beta power) revealed that RECs showed a higher level of arousal in the fronto-temporal and parieto-occipital regions than NRECs. Both visual vividness and dream length are positively related to the level of activation. Overall, our results are consistent with the view that dreaming and the storage of oneiric contents depend on the level of arousal during sleep, highlighting a crucial role of the temporo-parietal-occipital zone.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Scarpelli, S.
Secondary author(s):
D’Atri, A., Bartolacci, C., Gorgoni, M., Mangiaruga, A., Ferrara, M., De Gennaro, L.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Scarpelli, S., D’Atri, A., Bartolacci, C., Gorgoni, M., Mangiaruga, A., Ferrara, M., & De Gennaro, L. (2020). Dream recall upon awakening from non-rapid eye movement sleep in older adults: Electrophysiological pattern and qualitative features. Brain Sciences, 10, 343. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10060343
2-year Impact Factor: 3.394|2020
Times cited: 23|2025-09-18
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q3
Keywords: Dream recall / Dream report / Older adults / NREM sleep / EEG / Activation hypothesis / Delta / Beta

Dream recall upon awakening from non-rapid eye movement sleep in older adults: Electrophysiological pattern and qualitative features

Dream recall upon awakening from non-rapid eye movement sleep in older adults: Electrophysiological pattern and qualitative features
DocumentContent-free awareness: EEG-fcMRI correlates of consciousness as such in an expert meditator2020

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-2014
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2014 Grants
Start date: 2015-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2014-536
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
536 - Void consciousness: Investigating the neural network correlates of an exceptional meditative experience with EEG-MREG
Duration: 2015-09 - 2020-03
Researcher(s):
Ulf Winter, Pierre LeVan, Stefan Martin Schmidt
Institution(s): Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg (Germany); Dept. of Radiology, Medical Physics, University Medical Center Freiburg (Germany)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Winter, U.. LeVan, P.. Schmidt, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Neural correlates of consciousness / Meditation / EEG / fMRI / Functional connectivity / Psychophysiology and Parapsychology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2014-536.03
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Content-free awareness: EEG-fcMRI correlates of consciousness as such in an expert meditator
Publication year: 2020
URL:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.03064/full
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
The minimal neural correlate of the conscious state, regardless of the neural activity correlated with the ever-changing contents of experience, has still not been identified. Different attempts have been made, mainly by comparing the normal waking state to seemingly unconscious states, such as deep sleep or general anesthesia. A more direct approach would be the neuroscientific investigation of conscious states that are experienced as free of any specific phenomenal content. Here we present serendipitous data on content-free awareness (CFA) during an EEG-fMRI assessment reported by an extraordinarily qualified meditator with over 50,000 h of practice. We focused on two specific cortical networks related to external and internal awareness, i.e., the dorsal attention network (DAN) and the default mode network (DMN), to explore the neural correlates of this experience. The combination of high-resolution EEG and ultrafast fMRI enabled us to analyze the dynamic aspects of fMRI connectivity informed by EEG power analysis. The neural correlates of CFA were characterized by a sharp decrease in alpha power and an increase in theta power as well as increases in functional connectivity in the DAN and decreases in the posterior DMN. We interpret these findings as correlates of a top-down-initiated attentional state excluding external sensory stimuli and internal mentation from conscious experience. We conclude that the investigation of states of CFA could provide valuable input for new methodological and conceptual approaches in the search for the minimal neural correlate of consciousness.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Winter, U.
Secondary author(s):
LeVan, P., Borghardt, T. L., Akin, B., Wittmann, M., Leyens, Y., Schmidt, S.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Winter, U., LeVan, P., Borghardt, T. L., Akin, B., Wittmann, M., Leyens, Y., & Schmidt, S. (2020). Content-free awareness: EEG-fcMRI correlates of consciousness as such in an expert meditator. Frontiers in Psychology, 10: 3064. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.03064
2-year Impact Factor: 2.990|2020
Times cited: 44|2025-09-18
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: Content-free awareness (CFA) / Consciousness as such / Neural Correlate of Consciousness (NCC) / Disconnected consciousness / Meditation / Default-mode network (DMN) / Dorsal attention network (DAN) / EEG / fMRI

Content-free awareness: EEG-fcMRI correlates of consciousness as such in an expert meditator

Content-free awareness: EEG-fcMRI correlates of consciousness as such in an expert meditator
DocumentBasic and advanced neurophysiology in the prognostic and diagnostic evaluation of disorders of consciousness: Review of an IFCN-endorsed expert group2020

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: NDE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Characterization of “Near-Death Experiences” through the comparison of experiencers and non-experiencers’ particularities: inter-individual differences in cognitive characteristics and susceptibility to false memories
Duration: 2016-03 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Steven Laureys, Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol
Institution(s): Coma Science Group, University of Liège (Belgium)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Laureys, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Near-death experience / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Reference code: NDE-57
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Basic and advanced neurophysiology in the prognostic and diagnostic evaluation of disorders of consciousness: Review of an IFCN-endorsed expert group
Publication year: 2020
URL:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1388245720304302?via%3Dihub
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
The analysis of spontaneous EEG activity and evoked potentials is a cornerstone of the instrumental evaluation of patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC). The past few years have witnessed an unprecedented surge in EEG-related research applied to the prediction and detection of recovery of consciousness after severe brain injury, opening up the prospect that new concepts and tools may be available at the bedside. This paper provides a comprehensive, critical overview of both consolidated and investigational electrophysiological techniques for the prognostic and diagnostic assessment of DoC. We describe conventional EEG approaches, then focus on evoked and event-related potentials, and finally we analyze the potential of novel research findings. In doing so, we (i) draw a distinction between acute, prolonged and chronic phases of DoC, (ii) attempt to relate both clinical and research findings to the underlying neuronal processes and (iii) discuss technical and conceptual caveats. The primary aim of this narrative review is to bridge the gap between standard and emerging electrophysiological measures for the detection and prediction of recovery of consciousness. The ultimate scope is to provide a reference and common ground for academic researchers active in the field of neurophysiology and clinicians engaged in ICU and rehabilitation.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Copyright/Reproduction:
By permission
Language:
eng
Author:
Comanducci, A.
Secondary author(s):
Bolym M., Claassen, J., De Lucia, M., Gibson, R. M. , Juan, E., Laureys, S., Naccache, L., Owen, A. M. , Rosanova, M., Rossetti, A. O., Schnakers, C., Sitt, J. D., Massimini, M.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Comanducci, A., Bolym M., Claassen, J., De Lucia, M., Gibson, R. M., Juan, E., ... Massimini, M. (2020). Clinical and advanced neurophysiology in the prognostic and diagnostic evaluation of disorders of consciousness: Review of an IFCN-endorsed expert group. Clinical Neurophysiology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinph.2020.07.015
2-year Impact Factor: 3.708|2020
Times cited: 130|2025-09-18
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: Disorders of consciousness / EEG / Evoked potentials / Event-related potentials / Vegetative state / Minimally conscious state
DocumentA novel closed-loop EEG-tDCS approach to promote responsiveness of patients in minimally conscious state: A study protocol2021

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: NDE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Characterization of “Near-Death Experiences” through the comparison of experiencers and non-experiencers’ particularities: inter-individual differences in cognitive characteristics and susceptibility to false memories
Duration: 2016-03 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Steven Laureys, Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol
Institution(s): Coma Science Group, University of Liège (Belgium)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Laureys, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Near-death experience / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Reference code: NDE-62
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
A novel closed-loop EEG-tDCS approach to promote responsiveness of patients in minimally conscious state: A study protocol
Publication year: 2021
URL:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0166432821001996
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied over the prefrontal cortex has been shown to improve behavioral responsiveness in patients with disorders of consciousness following severe brain injury, especially those in minimally conscious state (MCS). However, one potential barrier of clinical response to tDCS is the timing of stimulation with regard to the fluctuations of vigilance that characterize this population. Indeed, a previous study showed that the vigilance of MCS patients has periodic average cycles of 70?min (range 57-80?min), potentially preventing them to be in an optimal neural state to benefit from tDCS when applied randomly. To tackle this issue, we propose a new protocol to optimize the application of tDCS by selectively stimulating at high and low vigilance states. Electroencephalography (EEG) real-time spectral entropy will be used as a marker of vigilance and to trigger tDCS, in a closed-loop fashion. We will conduct a randomized controlled crossover clinical trial on 16 patients in prolonged MCS who will undergo three EEG-tDCS sessions 5 days apart (1. tDCS applied at high vigilance; 2. tDCS applied at low vigilance; 3. tDCS applied at a random moment). Behavioral effects will be assessed using the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised at baseline and right after the stimulations. EEG will be recorded throughout the session and for 30?min after the end of the stimulation. This unique and novel approach will provide patients’ tailored treatment options, currently lacking in the field of disorders of consciousness.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Copyright/Reproduction:
By permission
Language:
eng
Author:
Martens, G.
Secondary author(s):
Ibáñez-Soria, D., Barra, A., Soria-Frisch, A., Piarulli, A., Gosseries, O., Salvador, R., Rojas, A., Nitsche, M. A., Kroupi, E., Laureys, S., Ruffini, G., Thibaut, A
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Martens, G., Ibáñez-Soria, D., Barra, A., Soria-Frisch, A., Piarulli, A., Gosseries, O., ..., Thibaut, A. (2021). A novel closed-loop EEG-tDCS approach to promote responsiveness of patients in minimally conscious state: A study protocol. Behavioural Brain Research, 409: 113311. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113311
2-year Impact Factor: 3.332|2020
Impact factor notes: Impact factor not available yet for 2021
Times cited: 19|2025-09-20
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: Transcranial direct current stimulation / Minimally conscious state / EEG / Vigilance / Spectral entropy
DocumentBehavioral and electrophysiological effects of network-based frontoparietal tDCS in patients with severe brain injury: A randomized controlled trial2020

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: NDE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Characterization of “Near-Death Experiences” through the comparison of experiencers and non-experiencers’ particularities: inter-individual differences in cognitive characteristics and susceptibility to false memories
Duration: 2016-03 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Steven Laureys, Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol
Institution(s): Coma Science Group, University of Liège (Belgium)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Laureys, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Near-death experience / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Reference code: NDE-67
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Behavioral and electrophysiological effects of network-based frontoparietal tDCS in patients with severe brain injury: A randomized controlled trial
Publication year: 2020
URL:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7511767/
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may promote the recovery of severely brain-injured patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC). Prior tDCS studies targeted single brain regions rather than brain networks critical for consciousness recovery.
OBJECTIVE
Investigate the behavioral and electrophysiological effects of multifocal tDCS applied over the frontoparietal external awareness network in patients with chronic acquired DOC.
METHODS
Forty-six patients were included in this randomized double-blind sham-controlled crossover trial (median [interquartile range]: 46 [35 - 59] years old; 12 [5 - 47] months post injury; 17 unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, 23 minimally conscious state (MCS) and 6 emerged from the MCS). Multifocal tDCS was applied for 20 min using 4 anodes and 4 cathodes with 1 mA per electrode. Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) assessment and 10 min of resting state electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings were acquired before and after the active and sham sessions.
RESULTS
At the group level, there was no tDCS behavioral treatment effect. However, following active tDCS, the EEG complexity significantly increased in low frequency bands (1-8 Hz). CRS-R total score improvement was associated with decreased baseline complexity in those bands. At the individual level, after active tDCS, new behaviors consistent with conscious awareness emerged in 5 patients. Conversely, 3 patients lost behaviors consistent with conscious awareness.
CONCLUSION
The behavioral effect of multifocal frontoparietal tDCS varies across patients with DOC. Electrophysiological changes were observed in low frequency bands but not translated into behavioral changes at the group level.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Martens, G.
Secondary author(s):
Kroupi, E., Bodien, Y., Frasso, G., Annen, J., Cassol, H., Barra, A., Martial, C., Gosseries, O., Lejeune, N., Soria-Frisch, A., Ruffini, G., Laureys, S., Thibaut, A.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Martens, G., Kroupi, E., Bodien, Y., Frasso, G., Annen, J., Cassol, H., Barra, A., ... Thibaut, A. (2020). Behavioral and electrophysiological effects of network-based frontoparietal tDCS in patients with severe brain injury: A randomized controlled trial. NeuroImage: Clinical, 28: 102426. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102426
2-year Impact Factor: 4.881|2020
Times cited: 31|2025-09-20
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: TDCS / Network / Minimally conscious state / Unresponsive wakefulness syndrome / EEG / Consciousness

Behavioral and electrophysiological effects of network-based frontoparietal tDCS in patients with severe brain injury: A randomized controlled trial

Behavioral and electrophysiological effects of network-based frontoparietal tDCS in patients with severe brain injury: A randomized controlled trial
DocumentCharacteristic alpha reflects Predictive Anticipatory Activity (PAA) in an auditory-visual task2017

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-2010
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pastas 1 a 23
Title:
2010 Grants
Start date: 2011-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2010-141
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 15/2010
Title:
141 - Pattern classification of emotion-induced physiological changes
Duration: 2011-04 - 2015-02
Researcher(s):
Julia Mossbridge, David Little
Institution(s): Northwestern University Visual Perception, Cognition, and Neuroscience Laboratory, Evanston (USA)
Contents: Contents:
Bursary agreement
Application form
Correspondence
Financial report and expenditure documents
Progress reports
Final report
3 Articles
1 Book chapter
2 Conference paper
Language: eng
Related objects:
PT/FB/BL-2008-73
Author: Mossbridge, J.
Secondary author(s):
Little, D.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Extrasensory perception (ESP) / Presentiment / Precognition / Assessment tools

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2010-141.09
Title: Characteristic alpha reflects Predictive Anticipatory Activity (PAA) in an auditory-visual task
Publication year: 2017
URL:
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-58628-1_7#citeas
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Several lines of evidence suggest that humans can predict events that seem to be unpredictable through ordinary sensory means. After reviewing the literature in this controversial field, I present an exploratory EEG study that addresses this hypothesis. I used a pattern classification algorithm drawing on EEG data prior to stimulus presentation to successfully predict upcoming motor responses that were constrained by the upcoming stimulus. Both the phase of peak alpha activity and overall amplitude at similar to 550 ms prior to the presentation of the stimulus were useful in predicting the upcoming motor response. Although these results support the idea that brain activity may reflect precognitive processes in certain situations, due to the exploratory nature of this study, additional pre-registered confirmatory experiments are required before the results can be considered solid. Implications for creating a closed-loop predictive system based on human physiology are discussed.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Copyright/Reproduction:
By permission
Language:
eng
Author:
Mossbridge, J.
Document type:
Conference paper
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Mossbridge J. A. (2017). Characteristic alpha reflects Predictive Anticipatory Activity (PAA) in an auditory-visual task. In D. Schmorrow & C. Fidopiastis (Eds), Augmented Cognition. Neurocognition and Machine Learning. AC 2017. Lecture Notes in Computer Science (Vol. 10284, pp. 79-89). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-58628-1_7
Times cited: 1|2025-09-16
Indexed document: Yes
Keywords: Predictive anticipatory activity / Presentiment / Precognition / Prospection / EEG / Alpha / Auditory-visual
DocumentClinical and advanced neurophysiology in the prognostic and diagnostic evaluation of disorders of consciousness: review of an IFCN-endorsed expert group2020

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: NDE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Characterization of “Near-Death Experiences” through the comparison of experiencers and non-experiencers’ particularities: inter-individual differences in cognitive characteristics and susceptibility to false memories
Duration: 2016-03 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Steven Laureys, Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol
Institution(s): Coma Science Group, University of Liège (Belgium)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Laureys, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Near-death experience / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Reference code: NDE-69
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Clinical and advanced neurophysiology in the prognostic and diagnostic evaluation of disorders of consciousness: review of an IFCN-endorsed expert group
Publication year: 2020
URL:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1388245720304302
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
The analysis of spontaneous EEG activity and evoked potentials is a cornerstone of the instrumental evaluation of patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC). The past few years have witnessed an unprecedented surge in EEG-related research applied to the prediction and detection of recovery of consciousness after severe brain injury, opening up the prospect that new concepts and tools may be available at the bedside. This paper provides a comprehensive, critical overview of both consolidated and investigational electrophysiological techniques for the prognostic and diagnostic assessment of DoC. We describe conventional clinical EEG approaches, then focus on evoked and event-related potentials, and finally we analyze the potential of novel research findings. In doing so, we (i) draw a distinction between acute, prolonged and chronic phases of DoC, (ii) attempt to relate both clinical and research findings to the underlying neuronal processes and (iii) discuss technical and conceptual caveats. The primary aim of this narrative review is to bridge the gap between standard and emerging electrophysiological measures for the detection and prediction of recovery of consciousness. The ultimate scope is to provide a reference and common ground for academic researchers active in the field of neurophysiology and clinicians engaged in intensive care unit and rehabilitation.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Comanducci, A.
Secondary author(s):
Boly, M., Claassen, J., De Lucia, M., Gibson, R. M., Juan, E., Laureys, S., Naccache, L., Owen, A. M., Rosanova, M., Rossetti, A. O., Schnakers, C., Sitt, J. D., Schiff, N. D., Massimini, M.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Comanducci, A., Boly, M., Claassen, J., De Lucia, M., Gibson, R. M., Juan, E., ... Massimini, M. (2020). Clinical and advanced neurophysiology in the prognostic and diagnostic evaluation of disorders of consciousness: review of an IFCN-endorsed expert group. Clinical Neurophysiology, 131(11), 2736-2765. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinph.2020.07.015
2-year Impact Factor: 3.708|2020
Times cited: 130|2025-09-20
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: Disorders of consciousness / EEG / Evoked potentials / Event-related potentials / Vegetative state / Minimally conscious state / Coma

Clinical and advanced neurophysiology in the prognostic and diagnostic evaluation of disorders of consciousness: review of an IFCN-endorsed expert group

Clinical and advanced neurophysiology in the prognostic and diagnostic evaluation of disorders of consciousness: review of an IFCN-endorsed expert group
DocumentClosed-loop frontal midline theta neurofeedback: A novel approach for training focused-attention meditation2020

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-2008
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pastas 1 a
Title:
2008 Grants
Start date: 2009-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2008-162
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 7/2008
Title:
162 - Meditation at the core: Neuroscientific comparison of attentional resource allocation in different meditation practices
Duration: 2009-02 - 2012-07
Researcher(s):
Arnaud Delorme, Claire Braboszcz, Romain Granchamps, Rael Cahn, Emmauel Fernandez
Institution(s): CERCO, Centre de Recherche Cerveau et Cognition, Toulouse (France)
Contents: Contents:
Bursary agreement
Application form
Correspondence
Financial report and expenditure documents
Progress reports
Final report
Language: eng
Author:
Delorme, A.
Secondary author(s):
Braboszcz, C., Granchamps, R., Cahn, R., Fernandez, E.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Altered states of consciousness / Meditation / Brain structure and function / Emotion

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2008-162.07
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 7/2008
Title:
Closed-loop frontal midline theta neurofeedback: A novel approach for training focused-attention meditation
Publication year: 2020
URL:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7344173/
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Cortical oscillations serve as an index of both sensory and cognitive processes and represent one of the most promising candidates for training and targeting the top-down mechanisms underlying executive functions. Research findings suggest that theta (theta) oscillations (3-7 Hz) recorded over frontal-midline electrodes are broadly associated with a number of higher-order cognitive processes and may serve as the mechanistic backbone for cognitive control. Frontal-midline theta (FM theta) oscillations have also been shown to inversely correlate with activity in the default mode network (DMN), a network in the brain linked to spontaneous thought processes such as mind-wandering and rumination. In line with these findings, we previously observed increased FM theta oscillations in expert meditation practitioners during reported periods of focused-attention meditation practice when compared to periods of mind-wandering. In an effort to narrow the explanatory gap by directly connecting observed neurophysiological activity in the brain to the phenomenological nature of reported experience, we designed a methodologically novel and adaptive neurofeedback protocol with the aim of modulating FM theta while having meditation novice participants implement breath-focus strategies derived from focused-attention mediation practices. Participants who received eight sessions of the adaptive FM theta-meditation neurofeedback protocol were able to significantly modulate FM theta over frontal electrodes using focused-attention meditation strategies relative to their baseline by the end of the training and demonstrated significantly faster reaction times on correct trials during the n-back working memory task assessed before and after the FM theta-meditation neurofeedback protocol. No significant differences in frontal theta activity or behavior were observed in the active control participants who received age and gender matched sham neurofeedback. These findings help lay the groundwork for the development of brain training protocols and neurofeedback applications that aim to train features of the mental states and traits associated with focused-attention meditation.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Brandmeyer, T.
Secondary author(s):
Delorme, A.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Brandmeyer, T., & Delorme, A. (2020). Closed-loop frontal midline theta neurofeedback: A novel approach for training focused-attention meditation. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 14: 246. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2020.00246
2-year Impact Factor: 3.169|2020
Times cited: 31|2025-09-20
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: Adaptive neurofeedback / Frontal mid-line theta / Meditation / EEG / Attention training

Closed-loop frontal midline theta neurofeedback: A novel approach for training focused-attention meditation

Closed-loop frontal midline theta neurofeedback: A novel approach for training focused-attention meditation
DocumentConscious while being considered in an unresponsive wakefulness syndrome for 20 years2018

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: NDE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Characterization of “Near-Death Experiences” through the comparison of experiencers and non-experiencers’ particularities: inter-individual differences in cognitive characteristics and susceptibility to false memories
Duration: 2016-03 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Steven Laureys, Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol
Institution(s): Coma Science Group, University of Liège (Belgium)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Laureys, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Near-death experience / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Reference code: NDE-70
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Conscious while being considered in an unresponsive wakefulness syndrome for 20 years
Publication year: 2018
URL:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2018.00671/full
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Despite recent advances in our understanding of consciousness disorders, accurate diagnosis of severely brain-damaged patients is still a major clinical challenge. We here present the case of a patient who was considered in an unresponsive wakefulness syndrome/vegetative state for 20 years. Repeated standardized behavioral examinations combined to neuroimaging assessments allowed us to show that this patient was in fact fully conscious and was able to functionally communicate. We thus revised the diagnosis into an incomplete locked-in syndrome, notably because the main brain lesion was located in the brainstem. Clinical examinations of severe brain injured patients suffering from serious motor impairment should systematically include repeated standardized behavioral assessments and, when possible, neuroimaging evaluations encompassing magnetic resonance imaging and F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Vanhaudenhuyse, A.
Secondary author(s):
Charland-Verville, V., Thibaut, A., Chatelle, C., Tshibanda, J. L., Maudoux, A., Faymonville, M. E., Laureys, S., Gosseries, O.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Vanhaudenhuyse, A., Charland-Verville, V., Thibaut, A., Chatelle, C., Tshibanda, J. L., Maudoux, A., Faymonville, M. E., Laureys, S., & Gosseries, O. (2018). Conscious while being considered in an unresponsive wakefulness syndrome for 20 years. Frontiers in Neurology, 9: 671. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2018.00671
2-year Impact Factor: 2.635|2018
Times cited: 13|2025-09-17
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q3
Keywords: Disorders of consciousness / Misdiagnosis / Locked-in syndrome / Unresponsive wakefulness syndrome / MRI / PET / EEG / Vegetative state

Conscious while being considered in an unresponsive wakefulness syndrome for 20 years

Conscious while being considered in an unresponsive wakefulness syndrome for 20 years
DocumentLocal sleep-like cortical reactivity in the awake brain after focal injury2020

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: NDE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 1/Outros Apoios
Title:
Characterization of “Near-Death Experiences” through the comparison of experiencers and non-experiencers’ particularities: inter-individual differences in cognitive characteristics and susceptibility to false memories
Duration: 2016-03 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Steven Laureys, Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol
Institution(s): Coma Science Group, University of Liège (Belgium)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Laureys, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Near-death experience / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Reference code: NDE-76
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Local sleep-like cortical reactivity in the awake brain after focal injury
Publication year: 2020
URL:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7805800/
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
The functional consequences of focal brain injury are thought to be contingent on neuronal alterations extending beyond the area of structural damage. This phenomenon, also known as diaschisis, has clinical and metabolic correlates but lacks a clear electrophysiological counterpart, except for the long-standing evidence of a relative EEG slowing over the injured hemisphere. Here, we aim at testing whether this EEG slowing is linked to the pathological intrusion of sleep-like cortical dynamics within an awake brain. We used a combination of transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS/EEG) to study cortical reactivity in a cohort of 30 conscious awake patients with chronic focal and multifocal brain injuries of ischaemic, haemorrhagic and traumatic aetiology. We found that different patterns of cortical reactivity typically associated with different brain states (coma, sleep, wakefulness) can coexist within the same brain. Specifically, we detected the occurrence of prominent sleep-like TMS-evoked slow waves and off-periods-reflecting transient suppressions of neuronal activity-in the area surrounding focal cortical injuries. These perilesional sleep-like responses were associated with a local disruption of signal complexity whereas complex responses typical of the awake brain were present when stimulating the contralesional hemisphere. These results shed light on the electrophysiological properties of the tissue surrounding focal brain injuries in humans. Perilesional sleep-like off-periods can disrupt network activity but are potentially reversible, thus representing a principled read-out for the neurophysiological assessment of stroke patients, as well as an interesting target for rehabilitation.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Sarasso, S.
Secondary author(s):
D'Ambrosio, S., Fecchio, M., Casarotto, S., Viganò, A., Landi, C., Mattavelli, G., Gosseries, O., Quarenghi, M., Laureys, S., Devalle, G., Rosanova, M., Massimini, M.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Sarasso, S., D'Ambrosio, S., Fecchio, M., Casarotto, S., Viganò, A., Landi, C., Mattavelli, G., Gosseries, O., Quarenghi, M., Laureys, S., Devalle, G., Rosanova, M., & Massimini, M. (2020). Local sleep-like cortical reactivity in the awake brain after focal injury. Brain, 143(12), 3672-3684. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awaa338
2-year Impact Factor: 13.501|2020
Times cited: 81|2025-09-20
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Stroke / TMS / EEG / Sleep

Local sleep-like cortical reactivity in the awake brain after focal injury

Local sleep-like cortical reactivity in the awake brain after focal injury
DocumentsLORETA intracortical lagged coherence during breath counting in meditation-naive participants2014

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-2006
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pastas 1 a 22 /2006
Title:
2006 Grants
Start date: 2007-01 - 2013-11
Dimension/support:
22 caixas de arquivo

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2006-044
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 19/2006
Title:
044 - Brain electric activity in meditation: Extension of earlier work and hypothesis testing
Duration: 2007-10 - 2010-01
Researcher(s):
Dietrich Lehmann, Shisei Tei, Pascal Faber, Hiraoki Kumano, Lorena Gianotti, Roberto Pascual-Marqui
Institution(s): The KEY Institute for Brain-Mind Research, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Zurich (Switzerland)
Contents: Contents:
Bursary agreement
Application form
Correspondence
Financial report and expenditure documents
Progress report
Final report
8 Articles (published or submitted)
14 Posters
Language: eng
Author:
Lehmann, D.
Secondary author(s):
Tei, S., Faber, P., Kumano, H., Gianotti, L., Pascual-Marqui, R.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Psychophysiology / Brain structure and function / Altered states of consciousness / Meditation

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2006-044.27
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 19/2006
Title:
sLORETA intracortical lagged coherence during breath counting in meditation-naive participants
Publication year: 2014
URL:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2014.00303/full
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
We investigated brain functional connectivity comparing no-task resting to breath counting (a meditation exercise but given as task without referring to meditation). Functional connectivity computed as EEG coherence between head-surface data suffers from localization ambiguity, reference dependence, and overestimation due to volume conduction. Lagged coherence between intracortical model sources addresses these criticisms. With this analysis approach, experienced meditators reportedly showed reduced coherence during meditation, meditation-naive participants have not yet been investigated. 58-channel EEG from 23 healthy, right-handed, meditation-naive males during resting [3 runs] and breath counting [2 runs] was computed into sLORETA time series of intracortical electrical activity in 19 regions of interest (ROI) corresponding to the cortex underlying 19 scalp electrode sites, for each of the eight independent EEG frequency bands covering 1.5-44 Hz. Intracortical lagged coherences and head-surface conventional coherences were computed between the 19 regions/sites. During breath counting compared to resting, paired t-tests corrected for multiple testing revealed four significantly lower intracortical lagged coherences, but four significantly higher head-surface conventional coherences. Lowered intracortical lagged coherences involved left BA 10 and right BAs 3, 10, 17, 40. In conclusion, intracortical lagged coherence can yield results that are inverted to those of head-surface conventional coherence. The lowered functional connectivity between cognitive control areas and sensory perception areas during meditation-type breath counting compared to resting conceivably reflects the attention to a bodily percept without cognitive reasoning. The reductions in functional connectivity were similar but not as widespread as the reductions reported during meditation in experienced meditators.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Milz, P.
Secondary author(s):
Faber, P. L., Lehmann, D., Kochi, K., Pascual-Marqui, R. D.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Milz, P., Faber, P. L., Lehmann, D., Kochi, K., & Pascual-Marqui, R. D. (2014). sLORETA intracortical lagged coherence during breath counting in meditation-naïve participants. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 8, 303. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2014.00303
2-year Impact Factor: 3.626|2014
Times cited: 34|2025-09-10
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: sLORETA / Breath counting; meditation / Lagged coherence / Functional connectivity / EEG / Intracortical coherence

BL-2006-044.27

BL-2006-044.27