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Probing Language Brain Processes in Psychosis
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Probing Language Brain Processes in Psychosis

Backed by a $9.8M transformative grant from the Wellcome Trust, we are joining the DIALOG initiative to uncover how the brain predicts language in real time. Using MEG and AI-based language models, our team will help reveal the neural roots of disorganized speech in psychotic disorders.

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A Landmark Collaboration to Probe the Foundations of Consciousness.
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A Landmark Collaboration to Probe the Foundations of Consciousness.

The first major study from the Cogitate Consortium is out today in Nature. Our lab collaborated on this unprecedented international effort to put leading theories of consciousness to the test—using a fully preregistered, adversarial collaboration approach across multiple brain imaging modalities.

The results challenge long-held assumptions and mark a new chapter for rigorous, open, and collaborative neuroscience.

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In Bed With J.D.
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In Bed With J.D.

How did you end up here? How did he? Once the voice of the forgotten working class, now the Vice President of a radical administration.

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Elon Musk Is Not What I Need For My Birthday
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Elon Musk Is Not What I Need For My Birthday

As I celebrate my birthday today, typing these words on a device shaped by the creative-destruction model of Silicon Valley—a force that, for better or worse, has transformed our lives over the past half-century—Elon Musk is not what I need for my birthday.

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How Auditory-Motor Networks Synchronize Sound and Movement
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How Auditory-Motor Networks Synchronize Sound and Movement

Our first published collaboration of 2025, led by Oscar Bedford in the Zatorre lab, demonstrates that human auditory-motor networks exhibit stronger default coupling than visuomotor networks, with a notable right-hemisphere predominance. Building on prior findings, including those from our lab, the study confirms that motor cortex exerts a top-down influence on auditory regions, particularly in the beta frequency band. These findings highlight intrinsic brain network mechanisms enabling low-latency auditory-motor integration, a key process for the synchronized coordination of sounds and movements.

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The Neurochemistry of Brain Rhythms: Alterations Affecting Attention and Motor Capacity in Parkinson’s Disease
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The Neurochemistry of Brain Rhythms: Alterations Affecting Attention and Motor Capacity in Parkinson’s Disease

Our latest study published in Brain uncovers the link between changes in brain rhythms and neuromelanin in the brainstem of patients with Parkinson’s disease. These findings were made possible thanks to the combination of neuromelanin-sensitive MRI with advanced magnetoencephalographic imaging (MEG), and the participation of dozens of engaged patient volunteers and healthy controls.

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A Breakthrough in Sustainability at The Neuro’s MEG Unit
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A Breakthrough in Sustainability at The Neuro’s MEG Unit

We are proud to share a major achievement from the MEG Unit at The Neuro. In response to soaring helium costs and global shortages, we installed a custom helium recovery system that significantly reduces waste and environmental impact. This new bespoke system cuts helium purchases by 90% and CO2 emissions by over 12 tons in the first year. This milestone, supported by contributions from the Brain Canada Foundation, McGill units, and dedicated researchers, ensures sustainable, reliable operations for groundbreaking neuroscience research.

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Announcing Release 3 of The Open MEG Archives (OMEGA)
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Announcing Release 3 of The Open MEG Archives (OMEGA)

We're thrilled to announce the latest expansion of The Open MEG Archives (OMEGA). Dive into over 150 hours of task-free MEG recordings from 644 participants, including individuals with Parkinson’s disease, ADHD, chronic pain, and 444 healthy controls. This rich dataset also includes defaced structural MRI volumes and individual questionnaire data. Don't miss this opportunity to accelerate your neuroscience research!

Discover what's new in OMEGA Release 3 ➔

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Early brain activity changes in healthy adults, linked to Alzheimer’s proteins, predict cognitive decline.
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Early brain activity changes in healthy adults, linked to Alzheimer’s proteins, predict cognitive decline.

In our new Nature Neuroscience study, we have discovered that early changes in brain activity respectively related to amyloid-beta and tau buildup can predict cognitive decline years before symptoms appear, offering hope for early detection of Alzheimer’s. The study also highlights the potential of short MEG scans to identify those at risk long before memory loss sets in.

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The Neurochemical Landscape of Alzheimer’s Disease.
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The Neurochemical Landscape of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Our latest study investigates how changes in brain activity align with the distribution of neurotransmitters in Alzheimer’s disease. Published in open access by Alzheimer’s & Dementia, our research found that these changes are closely linked to areas rich in cholinergic receptors, which are also where amyloid-β plaques tend to accumulate. This alignment is connected to the severity of Alzheimer’s cognitive symptoms, offering new insights into potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.

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Jason receives Governor General’s Gold Medal.
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Jason receives Governor General’s Gold Medal.

👏 A huge congratulations to our lab graduate, Jason da Silva Castanheira, PhD, for his exceptional achievements at McGill University’s 2023-2024 convocation! Jason was honored with two prestigious awards, including the Governor General’s Gold Medal, recognizing top graduates across all disciplines.

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Max Levinson, PhD.
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Max Levinson, PhD.

Congratulations to Dr Max Levinson on his successful PhD defense! We wish him the best as he embarks on his next research chapter at New York University.

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