In our new Science Advances study, we uncover how genetics shape the fast, spontaneous electrical activity of the human brain. Using data from twins, we show that neurophysiological traits, such as those related to attention, planning, and emotion, are partially heritable and aligned with adult gene expression patterns.

We publish in PAIN a new study that shows how the brain anticipates and learns from unpleasant events: a temporo-frontal brain network tracks expected pain and signals after outcomes. Those prediction-error signals then engage the prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices to adjust choices and avoid harm. We hope this work informs approaches to chronic pain and anxiety, where brain predictive mechanisms often go awry.

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.

We publish in npj Parkinson’s Disease a collaborative #openaccess review on how electrophysiological brain recording and imaging at multiple scales, from cells to large-scale brain networks, contribute to defining neurostimulation targets.

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.

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.

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.

Our lab publishes in the journal eBiomedicine, which is part of The Lancet group, a new study that reveals distinct patterns of brain activity that differentiate individuals with Parkinson’s disease.