The CERCO laboratory currently has access to various techniques for recording brain activity, as well as different methods for modulating this brain activity.
Currently, the main equipment managed by the piloting service is the Philips 3T research MRI scanner. This facility, maintained by INSERM, was designed for both human and non-human primates, with separate access and strict hygiene protocols. Various stimulation devices are installed (video projector, screen, response box, communication headset, physiological data sensors, etc.). The MRI is equipped with the MultiBand system and has two gradient systems that can operate in series or in parallel, enabling gradients of 40 mT/m with switching speeds of 200 T/m/s, or gradients of 80 mT/m at a switching speed of 100 T/m/s.
The MRI technical platform is certified under the ISO 9001:2015 standard. This certification is renewed annually through audit visits.
https://tonic.inserm.fr/plateforme_plateaux_tech/plateformes/irm/irm/
The piloting service ensures the efficient and collaborative use of the laboratory’s experimental facilities, in accordance with the needs and commitments of CerCo. It provides support in all ethical and regulatory matters. It contributes to the implementation of new platforms, data management and organization (in synergy with the IT department for all data security aspects), first-level data analysis and student training, long-term strategic developments, quality improvement and data reproducibility, managing potential space constraints, etc.
Currently, the service is supporting the development of the upcoming MEG-OPM platform (funded through the refinancing of the FLI biological health infrastructures)
https://www.francelifeimaging.fr/: bringing premises up to standard, equipment purchasing, platform design, processing preliminary data, etc. It is also working on structuring SEEG (stereo-electroencephalography) activity at the CHU hospital (regulatory aspects, equipment management, standardization of data access, etc.).
CerCo benefits from state-of-the-art research facilities enabling multimodal, multi-scale, and cross-species brain imaging and electrophysiology. For human participant research, the facilities include multiple multichannel electroencephalography (EEG) stations, several near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) systems, and non-invasive brain stimulation devices, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), with MRI-guided neuronavigation capabilities (via BrainSight).
