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DocumentFunctional role of the theory of mind network in integrating mentalistic2023

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

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

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2022 Grants
Start date: 2023-01

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

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022-304.03
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Functional role of the theory of mind network in integrating mentalistic
Publication year: 2023
URL:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0010945223001223
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Inferring intentions from verbal and nonverbal human behaviour is critical for everyday social life. Here, we combined Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) with a behavioural priming paradigm to test whether key nodes of the Theory of Mind network (ToMn) contribute to understanding others' intentions by integrating prior knowledge about an agent with the observed action kinematics. We used a modified version of the Faked-Action Discrimination Task (FAD), a forced-choice paradigm in which participants watch videos of actors lifting a cube and judge whether the actors are trying to deceive them concerning the weight of the cube. Videos could be preceded or not by verbal description (prior) about the agent's truthful or deceitful intent. We applied single pulse TMS over three key nodes of the ToMn, namely dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), right posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) and right temporo-parietal junction (rTPJ). Sham-TMS served as a control (baseline) condition. Following sham or rTPJ stimulation, we observed no consistent influence of priors on FAD performance. In contrast, following dmPFC stimulation, and to a lesser extent pSTS stimulation, truthful and deceitful actions were perceived as more deceptive only when the prior suggested a dishonest intention. These findings highlight a functional role of dmPFC and pSTS in coupling prior knowledge about deceptive intents with observed action kinematics in order to judge faked actions. Our study provides causal evidence that fronto-temporal nodes of the ToMn are functionally relevant to mental state inference during action observation.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Copyright/Reproduction:
By permission
Language:
eng
Related objects:
BL-2018-347.30
Author: Cristiano, A.
Secondary author(s):
Finisguerra, A., Urgesi, C., Avenanti, A., Tidoni, E.
Document type:
Article-d
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Cristiano, A., Finisguerra, A., Urgesi, C., Avenanti, A., & Tidoni, E. (2023). Functional role of the theory of mind network in integrating mentalistic prior information with action kinematics during action observation. Cortex, 166, 107-120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cortex.2023.05.009
2-year Impact Factor: 3.3|2023
Times cited: 4|2025-09-26
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Action perception / Theory of mind / Deception / Intention understanding / Transcranial magnetic stimulation
DocumentTask-related modulation of motor response to emotional bodies: a TMS motor-evoked potential study2023

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

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

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2022 Grants
Start date: 2023-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022-033
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
033 - The influence of emotions on actions: Boosting brain network plasticity to ameliorate action control
Duration: 2023-10 - 2025-05
Researcher(s):
Sara Borgomaneri, Vincenzo Romei
Institution(s): Department of Psychology, University of Bologna (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress Report
Final Report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Borgomaneri, S.
Secondary author(s):
Romei, V.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Action control / Emotions / Transcranial magnetic stimulation / Unconscious perception / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022-033.03
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Task-related modulation of motor response to emotional bodies: a TMS motor-evoked potential study
Publication year: 2023
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cortex.2023.10.013
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Exposure to emotional body postures during perceptual decision-making tasks has been linked to transient suppression of motor reactivity, supporting the monitoring of emotionally relevant information. However, it remains unclear whether this effect occurs implicitly, i.e., when emotional information is irrelevant to the task. To investigate this issue, we used single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to assess motor excitability while healthy participants were asked to categorize pictures of body expressions as emotional or neutral (emotion recognition task) or as belonging to a male or a female actor (gender recognition task) while receiving TMS over the motor cortex at 100 and 125 ms after picture onset. Results demonstrated that motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) were reduced for emotional body postures relative to neutral postures during the emotion recognition task. Conversely, MEPs increased for emotional body postures relative to neutral postures during the gender recognition task. These findings indicate that motor inhibition, contingent upon observing emotional body postures, is selectively associated with actively monitoring emotional features. In contrast, observation of emotional body postures prompts motor facilitation when task-relevant features are non-emotional. These findings contribute to embodied cognition models that link emotion perception and action tendencies.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Borgomaneri, S.
Secondary author(s):
Vitale, F., Battaglia, S., de Vega, M., Avenanti, A.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Borgomaneri, S., Vitale, F., Battaglia, S., de Vega, M., & Avenanti, A. (2023). Task-related modulation of motor response to emotional bodies: a TMS motor-evoked potential study. Cortex, 171, 235-246. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cortex.2023.10.013
2-year Impact Factor: 3.3|2023
Times cited: 9|2025-09-26
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Emotional body expressions / Transcranial magnetic stimulation / Motor evoked potentials / Early motor reactions / Emotion recognition task / Gender recognition task

Task-related modulation of motor response to emotional bodies: a TMS motor-evoked potential study

Task-related modulation of motor response to emotional bodies: a TMS motor-evoked potential study
DocumentScale-invariant changes in corticospinal excitability reflect multiplexed oscillations in the motor output2024

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

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

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

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-246
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
246 - The hidden rhythm of interpersonal (sub-)movement coordination
Duration: 2021-06 - 2023-06
Researcher(s):
Alice Tomassini, Alessandro D'Ausilio, Julien Laroche
Institution(s): Center for Translational Neurophysiology of Speech and Communication - CTNSC, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Ferrara (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Tomassini, A.
Secondary author(s):
D'Ausilio, A., Laroche, J.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Social cognition / Neurobehavioral coordination / Hyperscanning / Intermittent motor control / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-246.07
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Scale-invariant changes in corticospinal excitability reflect multiplexed oscillations in the motor output
Publication year: 2024
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1113/JP284273
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
In the absence of disease, humans produce smooth and accurate movement trajectories. Despite such 'macroscopic' aspect, the 'microscopic' structure of movements reveals recurrent (quasi-rhythmic) discontinuities. To date, it is unclear how the sensorimotor system contributes to the macroscopic and microscopic architecture of movement. Here, we investigated how corticospinal excitability changes in relation to microscopic fluctuations that are naturally embedded within larger macroscopic variations in motor output. Participants performed a visuomotor tracking task. In addition to the 0.25 Hz modulation that is required for task fulfilment (macroscopic scale), the motor output shows tiny but systematic fluctuations at ~2 and 8 Hz (microscopic scales). We show that motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) during task performance are consistently modulated at all (time) scales. Surprisingly, MEP modulation covers a similar range at both micro- and macroscopic scales, even though the motor output differs by several orders of magnitude. Thus, corticospinal excitability finely maps the multiscale temporal patterning of the motor output, but it does so according to a principle of scale invariance. These results suggest that corticospinal excitability indexes a relatively abstract level of movement encoding that may reflect the hierarchical organisation of sensorimotor processes. KEY POINTS: Motor behaviour is organised on multiple (time)scales. Small but systematic ('microscopic') fluctuations are engrained in larger and slower ('macroscopic') variations in motor output, which are instrumental in deploying the desired motor plan. Corticospinal excitability is modulated in relation to motor fluctuations on both macroscopic and microscopic (time)scales. Corticospinal excitability obeys a principle of scale invariance, that is, it is modulated similarly at all (time)scales, possibly reflecting hierarchical mechanisms that optimise motor encoding.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Emanuele, M.
Secondary author(s):
D'Ausilio, A., Koch, G., Fadiga, L., Tomassini, A.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Emanuele, M., D'Ausilio, A., Koch, G., Fadiga, L., & Tomassini, A. (2024). Scale-invariant changes in corticospinal excitability reflect multiplexed oscillations in the motor output. The Journal of Physiology, 602(1), 205–222. https://doi.org/10.1113/JP284273
2-year Impact Factor: 4.4|2024
Times cited: 1|2025-09-26
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Corticospinal excitability / Motor control / Physiological tremor / Submovements / Transcranial magnetic stimulation

Scale-invariant changes in corticospinal excitability reflect multiplexed oscillations in the motor output

Scale-invariant changes in corticospinal excitability reflect multiplexed oscillations in the motor output
DocumentA scoping review on the use of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques for persistent post-concussive symptoms2024

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-123
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
A scoping review on the use of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques for persistent post-concussive symptoms
Publication year: 2024
URL:
https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12020450
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Background:
In the context of managing persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS), existing treatments like pharmacotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and physical rehabilitation show only moderate effectiveness. The emergence of neuromodulation techniques in PPCS management has led to debates regarding optimal stimulation parameters and their overall efficacy.
Methods: this scoping review involved a comprehensive search of PubMed and ScienceDirect databases, focusing on controlled studies examining the therapeutic potential of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques in adults with PPCS.
Results: Among the 940 abstracts screened, only five studies, encompassing 103 patients (12 to 29 per study), met the inclusion criteria. These studies assessed the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), applied to specific brain regions (i.e., the left dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex (DLPFC) or left motor cortex (M1)) for addressing cognitive and psychological symptoms, headaches, and general PPCSs. The results indicated improvements in cognitive functions with tDCS. In contrast, reductions in headache intensity and depression scores were observed with rTMS, while no significant findings were noted for general symptoms with rTMS.
Conclusion: although these pilot studies suggest promise for rTMS and tDCS in PPCS management, further research with larger-scale investigations and standardized protocols is imperative to enhance treatment outcomes for PPCS patients.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Khosravi, M. H.
Secondary author(s):
Louras, M., Martens, G., Kaux, J. F., Thibaut, A., Lejeune, N.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Khosravi, M. H., Louras, M., Martens, G., Kaux, J. F., Thibaut, A., & Lejeune, N. (2024). A Scoping Review on the Use of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Techniques for Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms. Biomedicines, 12(2), 450. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12020450
2-year Impact Factor: 3.9|2024
Times cited: 1|2025-09-26
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Non-invasive brain stimulation / Transcranial direct current stimulation / tDCS / transcranial magnetic stimulation / rTMS / Post-concussive symptoms

A scoping review on the use of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques for persistent post-concussive symptoms

A scoping review on the use of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques for persistent post-concussive symptoms
DocumentDriving Hebbian plasticity over ventral premotor-motor projections transiently enhances motor resonance2024

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

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

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2022 Grants
Start date: 2023-01

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

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022-304.10
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Driving Hebbian plasticity over ventral premotor-motor projections transiently enhances motor resonance
Publication year: 2024
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2024.02.011
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Background: Making sense of others' actions relies on the activation of an action observation network (AON), which maps visual information about observed actions onto the observer's motor system. This motor resonance process manifests in the primary motor cortex (M1) as increased corticospinal excitability finely tuned to the muscles engaged in the observed action. Motor resonance in M1 is facilitated by projections from higher-order AON regions. However, whether manipulating the strength of AON-to-M1 connectivity affects motor resonance remains unclear.
Methods: We used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in 48 healthy humans. Cortico-cortical paired associative stimulation (ccPAS) was administered over M1 and the ventral premotor cortex (PMv), a key AON node, to induce spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) in the pathway connecting them. Single-pulse TMS assessed motor resonance during action observation.
Results: Before ccPAS, action observation increased corticospinal excitability in the muscles corresponding to the observed movements, reflecting motor resonance in M1. Notably, ccPAS aimed at strengthening projections from PMv to M1 (PMv?M1) induced short-term enhancement of motor resonance. The enhancement specifically occurred with the ccPAS configuration consistent with forward PMv?M1 projections and dissipated 20 min post-stimulation; ccPAS administered in the reverse order (M1?PMv) and sham stimulation did not affect motor resonance.
Conclusions: These findings provide the first evidence that inducing STDP to strengthen PMv input to M1 neurons causally enhances muscle-specific motor resonance in M1. Our study sheds light on the plastic mechanisms that shape AON functionality and demonstrates that exogenous manipulation of AON connectivity can influence basic mirror mechanisms that underlie social perception.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Chiappini, E.
Secondary author(s):
Turrini, S., Zanon, M., Marangon, M., Borgomaneri, S., Avenanti, A.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Chiappini, E., Turrini, S., Zanon, M., Marangon, M., Borgomaneri, S., & Avenanti, A. (2024). Driving Hebbian plasticity over ventral premotor-motor projections transiently enhances motor resonance. Brain Stimulation, 17(2), 211–220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2024.02.011
2-year Impact Factor: 8.4|2024
Times cited: 11|2025-09-26
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Action observation network / Cortico-co44rtical paired associative stimulation / Motor connectivity / Transcranial magnetic stimulation

Driving Hebbian plasticity over ventral premotor-motor projections transiently enhances motor resonance

Driving Hebbian plasticity over ventral premotor-motor projections transiently enhances motor resonance
DocumentCortico-cortical paired-associative stimulation to investigate the plasticity of cortico-cortical visual networks in humans2024

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

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

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2018
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2018 Grants
Start date: 2019-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2018-204
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
204 - Boosting WM capacity by strengthening the oscillatory functional fronto-parietal pathway
Duration: 2019-03 - 2023-04
Researcher(s):
Vincenzo Romei
Institution(s): Centre for studies and research in Cognitive Neuroscience - CsrNC, Department of Psychology, University of Bologna (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Romei, V.
Secondary author(s):
Poch, C.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Brain oscillations / Working memory / Functional connectivity / Neurostimulation / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2018-204.23
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Cortico-cortical paired-associative stimulation to investigate the plasticity of cortico-cortical visual networks in humans
Publication year: 2024
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cobeha.2024.101359
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Cortico-cortical paired-associative stimulation (ccPAS) is an advanced dual-site transcranial magnetic stimulation technique that exploits the Hebbian principle to induce plastic changes in functional networks and modulate interactions between cortical brain regions. This review summarizes the growing body of ccPAS research on network dynamics underpinning visual perception. Studies revealed a functional dissociation within cortico-cortical connections in the visual system, where distinct hierarchically organized circuits shape diverse aspects of visual processing, including motion perception, emotion recognition, and metacognitive judgments. Prospective applications integrating ccPAS with neuroimaging techniques such as EEG/MEG hold promise for fine-tuning interventions and gaining deeper insights into visual system network dynamics and functional architecture, with potential clinical applications in neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Related objects:
BL-2022-033.04
Author: Tarasi, L.
Secondary author(s):
Turrini, S., Sel, A., Avenanti, A., Romei, V.
Document type:
Article-d
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Tarasi, L., Turrini, S., Sel, A., Avenanti, A., & Romei, V. (2024). Cortico-cortical paired-associative stimulation to investigate the plasticity of cortico-cortical visual networks in humans. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, 56, 101359. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cobeha.2024.101359
2-year Impact Factor: 3.5|2024
Times cited: 10|2025-09-26
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Transcranial magnetic stimulation / Visual perception

Cortico-cortical paired-associative stimulation to investigate the plasticity of cortico-cortical visual networks in humans

Cortico-cortical paired-associative stimulation to investigate the plasticity of cortico-cortical visual networks in humans
DocumentCortico-cortical paired-associative stimulation to investigate the plasticity of cortico-cortical visual networks in humans2024

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

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

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2022 Grants
Start date: 2023-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022-033
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
033 - The influence of emotions on actions: Boosting brain network plasticity to ameliorate action control
Duration: 2023-10 - 2025-05
Researcher(s):
Sara Borgomaneri, Vincenzo Romei
Institution(s): Department of Psychology, University of Bologna (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress Report
Final Report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Borgomaneri, S.
Secondary author(s):
Romei, V.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Action control / Emotions / Transcranial magnetic stimulation / Unconscious perception / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022-033.04
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Cortico-cortical paired-associative stimulation to investigate the plasticity of cortico-cortical visual networks in humans
Publication year: 2024
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cobeha.2024.101359
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Cortico-cortical paired-associative stimulation (ccPAS) is an advanced dual-site transcranial magnetic stimulation technique that exploits the Hebbian principle to induce plastic changes in functional networks and modulate interactions between cortical brain regions. This review summarizes the growing body of ccPAS research on network dynamics underpinning visual perception. Studies revealed a functional dissociation within cortico-cortical connections in the visual system, where distinct hierarchically organized circuits shape diverse aspects of visual processing, including motion perception, emotion recognition, and metacognitive judgments. Prospective applications integrating ccPAS with neuroimaging techniques such as EEG/MEG hold promise for fine-tuning interventions and gaining deeper insights into visual system network dynamics and functional architecture, with potential clinical applications in neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Related objects:
BL-2018-204.23
Author: Tarasi, L.
Secondary author(s):
Turrini, S., Sel, A., Avenanti, A., Romei, V.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Tarasi, L., Turrini, S., Sel, A., Avenanti, A., & Romei, V. (2024). Cortico-cortical paired-associative stimulation to investigate the plasticity of cortico-cortical visual networks in humans. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, 56, 101359. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cobeha.2024.101359
2-year Impact Factor: 3.5|2024
Times cited: 10|2025-09-26
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Transcranial magnetic stimulation / Visual perception

Cortico-cortical paired-associative stimulation to investigate the plasticity of cortico-cortical visual networks in humans

Cortico-cortical paired-associative stimulation to investigate the plasticity of cortico-cortical visual networks in humans
DocumentFinal report - The motor roots of acting together: A psychophysiological investigation2024

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

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

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2018
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2018 Grants
Start date: 2019-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2018-144
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
144 - The motor roots of acting together: A psychophysiological investigation
Duration: 2019-03 - 2024-02
Researcher(s):
Marta Bortoletto, Corrado Sinigaglia
Institution(s): IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia (Italy); Centre for the Study of Social Action, Università degli Studi di Milano (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Article
Language: eng
Author:
Bortoletto, M.
Secondary author(s):
Sinigaglia, C.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Joint actions / Transcranial magnetic stimulation / Electroencephalography / Motor system / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2018-144.01
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Final report - The motor roots of acting together: A psychophysiological investigation
Publication year: 2024
Abstract/Results:
ABSTRACT:
Background
When people act together, how can their actions be coordinated around a collective goal? An answer to this question may be easily extracted from accounts of ‘shared’ or ‘collective’ intentionality. Alternatively, interpersonal coordination around collective goals may rely on certain interagential structure of motor representations. When people act together with a purpose, the collective goals of their actions may be sometimes represented motorically.
Aims
The main aim of the project is to explore the motor representation of collective goals at cortical level. Our conjecture is that motor representations may enable joint action and provide interpersonal coordination around goals.
Method
To test this hypothesis at neurophysiological level, we run 3 studies measuring motor activity during joint actions: a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) study; an EEG study and a TMS-EEG study.
Results
Analyses in study 1 suggested that a motor representation of joint actions may have a weaker impact than what expected from previous literature. Experiment 2 showed a significant difference in motor processes between joint and parallel actions when motor coordination is needed. Experiment 3 motor network is not differently activated in joint actions when two persons are aiming at a concrete goal.
Conclusions
Our studies, so far, do not support the instantiation of a motor representation of collective goals when joint actions do not require an ongoing motor coordination between the participants and their confederate.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Bortoletto, M.
Document type:
Final report
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Bortoletto, M. (2024). Final report - The motor roots of acting together: A psychophysiological investigation.
Indexed document: No
Keywords: Joint action / Motor system / Transcranial magnetic stimulation / Social neuroscience

Final report - The motor roots of acting together: A psychophysiological investigation

Final report - The motor roots of acting together: A psychophysiological investigation
DocumentIndividual differences in intracortical inhibition predict action control when facing emotional stimuli2024

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

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

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2022 Grants
Start date: 2023-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022-033
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
033 - The influence of emotions on actions: Boosting brain network plasticity to ameliorate action control
Duration: 2023-10 - 2025-05
Researcher(s):
Sara Borgomaneri, Vincenzo Romei
Institution(s): Department of Psychology, University of Bologna (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress Report
Final Report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Borgomaneri, S.
Secondary author(s):
Romei, V.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Action control / Emotions / Transcranial magnetic stimulation / Unconscious perception / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022-033.05
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Individual differences in intracortical inhibition predict action control when facing emotional stimuli
Publication year: 2024
URL:
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1391723/full
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Efficient inhibitory control in the context of prepotent actions is vital. However, such action inhibition may be profoundly influenced by affective states. Interestingly, research indicates that action control can be either impaired or improved by emotional stimuli. Thus, a great deal of confusion surrounds our knowledge of the complex dynamics subtending emotions and action control. Here, we aimed to investigate whether negative stimuli, even when nonconsciously presented and task-irrelevant, can affect action control relative to neutral stimuli. Additionally, we tested whether individual differences in intracortical excitability may predict action control capabilities. To address these issues, we asked participants to complete a modified version of the Stop Signal Task (SST) in which fearful or neutral stimuli were subliminally presented before the go signals as primes. Moreover, we assessed participants’ resting-state corticospinal excitability, short intracortical inhibition (SICI), and intracortical facilitation (ICF). Results demonstrated better action control capabilities when fearful stimuli were subliminally presented and interindividual SICI predicted stronger action inhibition capabilities. Taken together, these results shed new light on the intricate dynamics between action, consciousness, and motor control, suggesting that intracortical measures can be used as potential biomarkers of reduced motor inhibition in research and clinical settings.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Quettier, T.
Secondary author(s):
Ippolito, G., Però, L., Cardellicchio, P., Battaglia, S., Borgomaneri, S.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Quettier, T., Ippolito, G., Però, L., Cardellicchio, P., Battaglia, S., & Borgomaneri, S. (2024). Individual differences in intracortical inhibition predict action control when facing emotional stimuli. Frontiers in Psychology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1391723
2-year Impact Factor: 2.9|2024
Times cited: 5|2025-09-26
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Action control / Stop signal task / Fearful body postures / Transcranial magnetic stimulation / Intracortical inhibition / Facilitation

Individual differences in intracortical inhibition predict action control when facing emotional stimuli

Individual differences in intracortical inhibition predict action control when facing emotional stimuli
DocumentThe role of pre-supplementary motor cortex in action control with emotional stimuli: A repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation study2024

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

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

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2022 Grants
Start date: 2023-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022-033
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
033 - The influence of emotions on actions: Boosting brain network plasticity to ameliorate action control
Duration: 2023-10 - 2025-05
Researcher(s):
Sara Borgomaneri, Vincenzo Romei
Institution(s): Department of Psychology, University of Bologna (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress Report
Final Report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Borgomaneri, S.
Secondary author(s):
Romei, V.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Action control / Emotions / Transcranial magnetic stimulation / Unconscious perception / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022-033.06
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
The role of pre-supplementary motor cortex in action control with emotional stimuli: A repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation study
Publication year: 2024
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.15145
Abstract/Results: Abstract
Swiftly halting ongoing motor actions is essential to react to unforeseen and potentially perilous circumstances. However, the neural bases subtending the complex interplay between emotions and motor control have been scarcely investigated. Here, we used an emotional stop signal task (SST) to investigate whether specific neural circuits engaged by action suppression are differently modulated by emotional signals with respect to neutral ones. Participants performed an SST before and after the administration of one session of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the pre-supplementary motor cortex (pre-SMA), the right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG), and the left primary motor cortex (lM1). Results show that rTMS over the pre-SMA improved the ability to inhibit prepotent action (i.e., better action control) when emotional stimuli were presented. In contrast, action control in a neutral context was fostered by rTMS over the rIFG. No changes were observed after lM1 stimulation. Intriguingly, individuals with higher impulsivity traits exhibited enhanced motor control when facing neutral stimuli following rIFG stimulation. These results further our understanding of the interplay between emotions and motor functions, shedding light on the selective modulation of neural pathways underpinning these processes.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Battaglia, S.
Secondary author(s):
Nazzi, C., Di Fazio, C., Borgomaneri, S.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Battaglia, S., Nazzi, C., Di Fazio, C., & Borgomaneri, S. (2024). The role of pre-supplementary motor cortex in action control with emotional stimuli: A repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation study. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1536(1), 151-166. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.15145
2-year Impact Factor: 4.8|2024
Times cited: 11|2025-09-27
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Action inhibition / Emotion / Inferior frontal gyrus / Pre-supplementary motor cortex / Stop signal task / Transcranial magnetic stimulation

The role of pre-supplementary motor cortex in action control with emotional stimuli: A repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation study

The role of pre-supplementary motor cortex in action control with emotional stimuli: A repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation study
Document‘Nip it in the bud’: Low-frequency rTMS of the prefrontal cortex disrupts threat memory consolidation in humans2024

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

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

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2022 Grants
Start date: 2023-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022-033
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
033 - The influence of emotions on actions: Boosting brain network plasticity to ameliorate action control
Duration: 2023-10 - 2025-05
Researcher(s):
Sara Borgomaneri, Vincenzo Romei
Institution(s): Department of Psychology, University of Bologna (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress Report
Final Report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Borgomaneri, S.
Secondary author(s):
Romei, V.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Action control / Emotions / Transcranial magnetic stimulation / Unconscious perception / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022-033.07
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
‘Nip it in the bud’: Low-frequency rTMS of the prefrontal cortex disrupts threat memory consolidation in humans
Publication year: 2024
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2024.104548
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
It is still unclear how the human brain consolidates aversive (e.g., traumatic) memories and whether this process can be disrupted. We hypothesized that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) is crucially involved in threat memory consolidation. To test this, we used low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (LFrTMS) within the memory stabilization time window to disrupt the expression of threat memory. We combined a differential threat-conditioning paradigm with LF-rTMS targeting the dlPFC in the critical condition, and occipital cortex stimulation, delayed dlPFC stimulation, and sham stimulation as control conditions. In the critical condition, defensive reactions to threat were reduced immediately after brain stimulation, and 1 h and 24 h later. In stark contrast, no decrease was observed in the control conditions, thus showing both the anatomical and temporal specificity of our intervention. We provide causal evidence that selectively targeting the dlPFC within
the early consolidation period prevents the persistence and return of conditioned responses. Furthermore, memory disruption lasted longer than the inhibitory window created by our TMS protocol, which suggests that we influenced dlPFC neural activity and hampered the underlying, time-dependent consolidation process. These results provide important insights for future clinical applications aimed at interfering with the consolidation of aversive, threat-related memories.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Battaglia, S.
Secondary author(s):
Nazzi, C., Fullana, M. A., Di Pellegrino, G., Borgomaneri, S.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Battaglia, S., Nazzi, C., Fullana, M. A., Di Pellegrino, G., & Borgomaneri, S. (2024). ‘Nip it in the bud’: Low-frequency rTMS of the prefrontal cortex disrupts threat memory consolidation in humans. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 104548. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2024.104548
2-year Impact Factor: 4.5|2024
Times cited: 16|2025-09-27
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Threat conditioning / Transcranial magnetic stimulation / Memory consolidation / Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex / Aversive memories

‘Nip it in the bud’: Low-frequency rTMS of the prefrontal cortex disrupts threat memory consolidation in humans

‘Nip it in the bud’: Low-frequency rTMS of the prefrontal cortex disrupts threat memory consolidation in humans
DocumentSpike-timing-dependent plasticity induction reveals dissociable supplementary– and premotor–motor pathways to automatic imitation2024

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

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

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2022 Grants
Start date: 2023-01

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

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

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

Spike-timing-dependent plasticity induction reveals dissociable supplementary– and premotor–motor pathways to automatic imitation
DocumentInvestigating the effect of rTMS over the temporoparietal cortex on the right ear advantage for perceived and imagined voices2024

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

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

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2022 Grants
Start date: 2023-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022-020
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
020 - From psychiatric disorder to spiritual gift: Phenomenology and cerebral correlates of hearing voices
Duration: 2023-06
Researcher(s):
Giulia Prete
Institution(s): Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, Università degli Studi "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti - Pescara (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Language: eng
Notes:
Ongoing project
Author: Prete, G.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Auditory hallucinations / Spirituality / Electroencephalography / Voice hearing / Psychophysiology and Parapsychology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022-020.02
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Investigating the effect of rTMS over the temporoparietal cortex on the right ear advantage for perceived and imagined voices
Publication year: 2024
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-75671-z
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
A Right Ear Advantage (REA) is well-established in perceptual tasks but it has been found also during imagery. It is ascribed to the left temporoparietal activity for language, and it can be absent/reversed in some clinical conditions including auditory hallucinations. We applied 1-Hz repetitive TMS over TP3/TP4 (left/right language areas) identified through neuronavigation in 18 healthy participants, before administering a modified white noise (WN) speech illusion paradigm: a voice was presented at one ear, at the same or lower intensities with respect to binaural WN. In some trials the voice was not presented, but participants were anyway instructed to report in which ear they believed perceiving it in all trials. Results confirmed the REA both when the voice was present (perceptual REA) and when it was absent (imaginative REA). Interestingly, results suggested that the correct localization of the voice when the stimulus was ambiguous (presented at low intensity and “masked” by WN) was better when TMS was applied over the right/left hemisphere, in male participants with a low/high proneness to unusual experiences (e.g., auditory hallucinations), respectively. This interaction must be further explored to shed light on the relationship between hemispheric asymmetries and auditory hallucinations, in healthy and clinical samples.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Prete, G.
Secondary author(s):
Rollo, B., Palumbo, R., Ceccato, I., Mammarella, N., Di Domenico, A., Capotosto, P., Tommasi, L.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Prete, G., Rollo, B., Palumbo, R., Ceccato, I., Mammarella, N., Di Domenico, A., Capotosto, P., & Tommasi, L. (2024). Investigating the effect of rTMS over the temporoparietal cortex on the right ear advantage for perceived and imagined voices. Scientific Reports, 14, 24930. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-75671-z
2-year Impact Factor: 3.9|2024
Times cited: 1|2025-09-27
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Auditory hallucinations / Auditory perception / Hemispheric asymmetries / Right Ear Advantage (REA) / Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Investigating the effect of rTMS over the temporoparietal cortex on the right ear advantage for perceived and imagined voices

Investigating the effect of rTMS over the temporoparietal cortex on the right ear advantage for perceived and imagined voices
DocumentYou are as old as the connectivity you keep: Distinct neurophysiological mechanisms underlying age-related changes in hand dexterity and strength2025

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

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

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2022 Grants
Start date: 2023-01

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

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

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

You are as old as the connectivity you keep: Distinct neurophysiological mechanisms underlying age-related changes in hand dexterity and strength
DocumentIntegrating virtual reality, electroencephalography, and transcranial magnetic stimulation to study the neural correlates of awe experiences: The SUBRAIN protocol2025

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

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

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

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-288
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
288 - The origin of the sublime power in the brain: An integrated EEG-TMS study
Duration: 2021-04 - 2025-05
Researcher(s):
Eleonora Maggioni, Paolo Brambilla, Giandomenico Schiena, Alice Chirico, Andrea Gaggioli, Maddalena Mazzocut-Mis
Institution(s): Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan (Italy); Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan (Italy); Università degli Studi di Milano (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Maggioni, E.
Secondary author(s):
Brambilla, P., Schiena, G., Chirico, A., Gaggioli, A., Mazzocut-Mis, M.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Virtual reality / Sublime / Brain connectivity / EEG-TMS / Parapsychology and Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-288.10
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Integrating virtual reality, electroencephalography, and transcranial magnetic stimulation to study the neural correlates of awe experiences: The SUBRAIN protocol
Publication year: 2025
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0302762
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Introduction: Awe is a complex emotion unveiling a positive and mixed nature, which resembles the Romantic feeling of the Sublime. It has increasingly become the object of scientific investigation in the last twenty years. However, its underlying brain mechanisms are still unclear. To fully capture its nature in the lab, researchers have increasingly relied on virtual reality (VR) as an emotion-elicitation method, which can resemble even complex phenomena in a limited space. In this work, a multidisciplinary team proposed a novel experimental protocol integrating VR, electroencephalography (EEG), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to investigate the brain mechanisms of this emotion.
Methods: A group of bioengineers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and philosophers designed the SUBRAIN study, a single-center, one-arm, non-randomized interventional study to explore the neural processes underlying awe experiences. The study is ongoing and is expected to enroll fifty adults between 20 and 40 years of age. Currently, more than 40 individuals have been enrolled. The experimental protocol includes different steps: (i) screening, (ii) enrollment, (iii) pre-experimental assessment, (iv) VR experimental assessment, and (v) post-experimental debriefing. The brain's electrical activity is recorded using the EEG while participants navigated three immersive awe-inducing VR environments and a neutral one. At the same time, the cortical excitability and connectivity is investigated by performing a TMS-EEG session right after each VR navigation. Along with cerebral signals, self-reported questionnaires were used to assess the VR-induced changes in the emotional state of the subjects. This data is then analyzed to delve into the cerebral mechanisms of awe.
Discussion: This study protocol is the first one that tries to fully understand the neural bases of awe by eliciting and studying this phenomenon in VR. The pairing of awe-inducing VR experiences and questionnaires investigating participants' affect and emotions, with non-invasive neural techniques, can provide a novel and extensive knowledge on this complex phenomenon. The protocol can inform on the combination of different instruments showing a reproducible and reliable setting for the investigation of induced complex emotions.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Bondi, E.
Secondary author(s):
Carbone, F., Pizzolante, M., Schiena, G., Ferro, A., Mazzocut-Mis, M., Gaggioli, A., Chirico, A., Brambilla, P., Maggioni, E.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Bondi, E., Carbone, F., Pizzolante, M., Schiena, G., Ferro, A., Mazzocut-Mis, M., Gaggioli, A., Chirico, A., Brambilla, P., & Maggioni, E. (2025). Integrating virtual reality, electroencephalography, and transcranial magnetic stimulation to study the neural correlates of awe experiences: The SUBRAIN protocol. PloS One, 20(4), e0302762. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0302762
2-year Impact Factor: 2.6|2024
Impact factor notes: Impact factor not available yet for 2025
Times cited: 2|2025-09-27
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: Awe experiences / Virtual reality / Electroencephalography / Transcranial magnetic stimulation / SUBRAIN protocol

Integrating virtual reality, electroencephalography, and transcranial magnetic stimulation to study the neural correlates of awe experiences: The SUBRAIN protocol

Integrating virtual reality, electroencephalography, and transcranial magnetic stimulation to study the neural correlates of awe experiences: The SUBRAIN protocol
DocumentTopography of functional organization of beat perception in human premotor cortex: Causal evidence from a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) study2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

Topography of functional organization of beat perception in human premotor cortex: Causal evidence from a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) study
DocumentFinal report - The influence of emotions on actions: Boosting brain network plasticity to ameliorate action control2025

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

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

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2022 Grants
Start date: 2023-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022-033
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
033 - The influence of emotions on actions: Boosting brain network plasticity to ameliorate action control
Duration: 2023-10 - 2025-05
Researcher(s):
Sara Borgomaneri, Vincenzo Romei
Institution(s): Department of Psychology, University of Bologna (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress Report
Final Report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Borgomaneri, S.
Secondary author(s):
Romei, V.
Number of reproductions:
1
Keywords:
Action control / Emotions / Transcranial magnetic stimulation / Unconscious perception / Psychophysiology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022-033.01
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Final report - The influence of emotions on actions: Boosting brain network plasticity to ameliorate action control
Publication year: 2025
Abstract/Results:
ABSTRACT:
Background
Effective inhibitory control over prepotent actions is crucial. Understanding the brain mechanisms that enable humans to suppress unwanted behaviors remains a major scientific challenge that has been relatively underexplored. Notably, inhibitory control appears to be affected by the presence of emotional stimuli, although findings in this area have been mixed.
Aims
We aim to disclose the complex interplay between action control and emotions, investigating how emotional stimuli are able to behaviorally influence action control as well as the neural dynamics subtending such complex executive function.
Method
In a series of behavioral and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) studies, we asked healthy young participants to complete action control tasks. We investigated how action control capabilities can be ameliorated or suppressed due to different TMS protocol applications and whether individual neurophysiological indices may predict action suppression abilities.
Results
We demonstrated that negative emotions are able to influence action control and that the neural dynamics subtending action suppression are differently influenced in a neutral vs an emotional context. Interestingly, individual differences in intracortical mechanisms within the motor system may be considered as a biomarker for action control capabilities.
Conclusions
This project significantly advances the mechanistic understanding of the complex interplay between action and emotion, demonstrating that negative emotions can ameliorate action suppression. Taken together, our results pave the way for future TMS-based treatments in several psychiatric and clinical disorders with serious deficits in action control, especially in emotion-related context.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Borgomaneri, S.
Document type:
Final report
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Borgomaneri, S. (2025). Final report - The influence of emotions on actions: Boosting brain network plasticity to ameliorate action control.
Indexed document: No
Keywords: Action control / Emotions / Transcranial magnetic stimulation / Unconscious perception / Psychophysiology

Final report - The influence of emotions on actions: Boosting brain network plasticity to ameliorate action control

Final report - The influence of emotions on actions: Boosting brain network plasticity to ameliorate action control
DocumentLearning the time of pain in the human motor system2025

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

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

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

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

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2020-047.15
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Learning the time of pain in the human motor system
Publication year: 2025
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003730
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Although traditionally conceptualized as a sensory phenomenon, pain could also be framed as a motor issue. Yet, the role of the motor system in pain prediction remains poorly understood. Here, we test whether the human motor system can learn to predict the time of pain. In 2 experiments, distinct groups of participants learned that different visual cues predicted pain occurrence either shortly or long after cue onset. Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation was administered over the primary motor cortex to probe corticospinal excitability at 3 critical timepoints during cues presentation, namely long before, immediately before, and long after the time of pain. Bayesian informative hypothesis testing supported, for both experiments, the hypothesis that the motor system learns pain timing through sustained motor inhibition during pain anticipation. Specifically, independently of actual pain occurrence, corticospinal excitability decreased from cue onset, long before the time of pain, until the time of pain, and recovered once this had passed. In addition, stronger corticospinal inhibition long before the time of pain correlated with greater subjective temporal anticipation of pain occurrence, suggesting a role for the motor system in transforming physical time into subjective time. Sustained motor inhibition during pain anticipation may be adaptive for the preparation of prompt defensive behaviors. However, exaggerated motor inhibition may become maladaptive creating an anticipated sense of a pain that may never occur. In clinical settings, enhanced motor inhibition may interfere with therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring motor function and pain resolution.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Dalbagno, D.
Secondary author(s):
Betti, S., Garofalo, S., Mannari, V., di Pellegrino, G., Starita, F.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
1
Reference:
Dalbagno, D., Betti, S., Garofalo, S., Mannari, V., di Pellegrino, G., & Starita, F. (2025). Learning the time of pain in the human motor system. PAIN, 166(12), e715–e731. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003730
2-year Impact Factor: 5.5|2024
Impact factor notes: Impact factor not available yet for 2025
Times cited: 0|2025-12-05
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q1
Keywords: Pain anticipation / Corticospinal excitability / Event timing / Motor cortex / Pavlovian conditioning / Transcranial magnetic stimulation

Learning the time of pain in the human motor system

Learning the time of pain in the human motor system