Biology subjects

Rier, L.

Publications and source records attributed to Rier, L..

7 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Neural Fingerprinting based on Brain Network Dynamics: A Cross-Platform MEG Study

Neural fingerprinting seeks to identify individuals based on measurements of brain activity, exploiting the fact that aspects of brain function unique to an individual remain stable across repeated scans. Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a powerful technique for fingerprinting. However, most MEG studies have used conventional (SQUID-based) MEG technology and typically rely on data aggregated over time, overlooking the rich temporal dynamics available in MEG. Here, using SQUID-MEG and the more recently introduced OPM-MEG, we showed fingerprinting was possible within and between modalities using static (time-aggregated) features; this is consistent with previous work. We further asked whether fingerprinting was possible based on network dynamics, estimated using a canonical hidden Markov model (CHMM). Results showed that the CHMM-derived networks provide a better fit to SQUID data than to OPM data; however, this effect was small and to be expected given the canonical networks were trained on SQUID data. We further showed that fingerprinting was possible within and between modalities using CHMM-derived state activation time courses and state power spectral densities. However, state summary statistics and transition probabilities only supported within modality fingerprinting. Our findings suggest that subject-specific information is preserved within CHMM states and across MEG technologies. This represents an important step towards advancing our understanding of brain dynamics, and particularly the brain networks delineated by the CHMM. The study also supports the future use of the CHMM for processing and interpretation of OPM-MEG data.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2026

Beta-band dynamics during a naturalistic motor task: an OPM-MEG study

Beta oscillations are a fundamental feature of brain activity, linked to long-range connectivity within canonical networks, inhibition of sensorimotor cortices and the maintenance of a stable sensorimotor state in situations where the external world is predictable. The importance of beta oscillations in brain function is underscored by observations of their perturbation in neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, the precise role played by beta activity, particularly in mediating complex or skilful movements, remains incompletely understood. Here, we used a newly developed wearable optically pumped magnetometer-based magnetoencephalography (OPM-MEG) system to measure beta dynamics as participants learned to play a musical instrument. Twenty-two novice players took part in a study in which OPM-MEG data were recorded during two scanning sessions, while participants attempted to play a tune on a violin. Between the two sessions, participants received a violin lesson from an expert teacher. Results showed that robust data could be acquired during this naturalistic task, with beta oscillations decreasing in amplitude during movement and increasing upon movement cessation, as expected. Moreover, beta power whilst playing, in the motor and pre-motor areas, was significantly elevated after the lesson compared to before, and the movement-related modulation of beta amplitude was more pronounced after the lesson. These findings align with predictive coding models which suggest that beta amplitude should increase when individuals have greater certainty over the movements they carry out. Our study adds to an expanding literature on the role of beta oscillations and provides further evidence for the utility of OPM-MEG in naturalistic neuroscience.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2025

Source Reconstruction Without an MRI using Optically Pumped Magnetometer based Magnetoencephalography

Source modelling in magnetoencephalography (MEG) maps the spatial origins of electrophysiological signals in the brain. Typically, this requires an anatomical MRI scan of the subjects head, from which a model of the neuromagnetic field (the forward model) is derived. Wearable MEG - based on optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) - enables MEG measurement from participants who struggle to cope with conventional scanning environments (e.g. children), enabling study of novel cohorts. However, its value is limited if an MRI scan is still required for source modelling. Here we describe a method of warping template MRIs to 3D structured-light scans of the head, to generate "pseudo-MRIs". We apply our method using data from 20 participants during a sensory task, measuring induced (beta band) responses and whole-brain functional connectivity. Results show that the group average locations of peak task-induced beta modulation were separated by 2.75 mm, when comparing real- and pseudo-MRI approaches. Group averaged time-frequency spectra were also highly correlated (Pearson correlation 0.99) as were functional connectome matrices (0.87), and global connectivity (0.98). In sum, our results demonstrate that source-localized OPM-MEG data, modelled with and without an individual MRI scan can be similar. This will be useful for future studies where MRI data capture is challenging.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2024

Measuring the neurodevelopmental trajectory of excitatory-inhibitory balance via visual gamma oscillations

Disruption of the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission (E-I balance) underlies theories of many neurodevelopmental disorders, however, its study is typically restricted to adults, animal models and the lab-bench. Neurophysiological oscillations in the gamma frequency band relate closely to E-I balance, and a new technology - OPM-MEG - offers the possibility to measure such signals across the lifespan. We used OPM-MEG to measure gamma oscillations induced by visual stimulation in >100 participants, aged 2-34 years. We demonstrate a significantly changing spectrum with age, with low amplitude broadband gamma oscillations in children and high amplitude band limited oscillations dominating in adults. We used a canonical cortical microcircuit to model these gamma signals, revealing significant age-related shifts in E-I balance in superficial pyramidal neurons in visual cortex. Our findings detail the first MEG metrics of gamma oscillations and their underlying generators from toddlerhood, providing a benchmark against which future studies can contextualise.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2024

A Novel, Robust, and Portable Platform for Magnetoencephalography using Optically Pumped Magnetometers

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) measures brain function via assessment of magnetic fields generated by neural currents. Conventional MEG uses superconducting sensors, which place significant limitations on performance, practicality, and deployment; however, the field has been revolutionised in recent years by the introduction of optically-pumped-magnetometers (OPMs). OPMs enable measurement of the MEG signal without cryogenics, and consequently the conception of OPM-MEG systems which ostensibly allow increased sensitivity and resolution, lifespan compliance, free subject movement, and lower cost. However, OPM-MEG remains in its infancy with limitations on both sensor and system design. Here, we report a new OPM-MEG design with miniaturised and integrated electronic control, a high level of portability, and improved sensor dynamic range (arguably the biggest limitation of existing instrumentation). We show that this system produces equivalent measures when compared to an established instrument; specifically, when measuring task-induced beta-band, gamma-band and evoked neuro-electrical responses, source localisations from the two systems were highly comparable and temporal correlation was >0.7 at the individual level and >0.9 for groups. Using an electromagnetic phantom, we demonstrate improved dynamic range by running the system in background fields up to 8 nT. We show that the system is effective in gathering data during free movement (including a sitting-to-standing paradigm) and that it is compatible with simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG - the clinical standard). Finally, we demonstrate portability by moving the system between two laboratories. Overall, our new system is shown to be a significant step forward for OPM-MEG technology and offers an attractive platform for next generation functional medical imaging.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2024

The neurodevelopmental trajectory of beta band oscillations: an OPM-MEG study

Neural oscillations mediate the coordination of activity within and between brain networks, supporting cognition and behaviour. How these processes develop throughout childhood is not only an important neuroscientific question but could also shed light on the mechanisms underlying neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, measuring the neurodevelopmental trajectory of oscillations has been hampered by confounds from instrumentation. In this paper, we investigate the suitability of a disruptive new imaging platform - Optically Pumped Magnetometer-based magnetoencephalography (OPM-MEG) - to study oscillations during brain development. We show how a unique 192-channel OPM-MEG device, which is adaptable to head size and robust to participant movement, can be used to collect high-fidelity electrophysiological data in individuals aged between 2 and 34 years. Data were collected during a somatosensory task, and we measured both stimulus-induced modulation of beta oscillations in sensory cortex, and whole-brain connectivity, showing that both modulate significantly with age. Moreover, we show that pan-spectral bursts of electrophysiological activity drive task-induced beta modulation, and that their probability of occurrence and spectral content change with age. Our results offer new insights into the developmental trajectory of beta oscillations and provide clear evidence that OPM-MEG is an ideal platform for studying electrophysiology in neurodevelopment.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2022

Test-Retest Reliability of the Human Connectome: An OPM-MEG study

Magnetoencephalography with optically pumped magnetometers (OPM-MEG) offers a new way to record electrophysiological brain function, with significant advantages over conventional MEG including adaptability to head shape/size, free movement during scanning, better spatial resolution, increased signal, and no reliance on cryogenics. However, OPM-MEG remains in its infancy, with significant questions to be answered regarding optimal system design and robustness. Here, we present an open-source dataset acquired using a newly constructed OPM-MEG system with a triaxial sensor design averaging 168 channels. Using OPM-optimised magnetic shielding and active background-field control, we measure the test-retest reliability of the human connectome. We employ amplitude envelope correlation to measure whole-brain functional connectivity in 10 individuals whilst they watch a 600 s move clip. Our results show high repeatability between experimental runs at the group level, with a correlation coefficient of 0.81 in the theta, 0.93 in alpha and 0.94 in beta frequency ranges. At the individual subject level, we found marked differences between individuals, but high within-subject robustness (correlations of 0.56 {+/-} 0.25, 0.72 {+/-} 0.15 and 0.78 {+/-} 0.13 in theta, alpha and beta respectively). These results compare well to previously reported findings using conventional MEG; they show that OPM-MEG is a viable way to characterise whole brain connectivity and add significant weight to a growing argument that OPMs can overtake cryogenic sensors as the fundamental building block of MEG systems.

neuroscience↗