Research

Pathways to Language

Several projects of our research group aim to shed light on the relationship between anatomical and functional characteristics of the fetal brain and later functional language localization, formation of language-related white matter bundles, and language abilities in healthy children. This knowledge aims to facilitate the development of early diagnostic markers of the maturity and integrity of the neural correlates of language.

Language Reorganization in Children with Neurological Diseases

We are interested in the relationship between neural language localization and language functioning in children with very early brain pathologies. We therefore use fNIRS, fMRI, and comprehensive neuropsychological measurements to investigate the language network and language abilities in neonates, infants, and toddlers up to teens and young adults with different brain pathologies.

Acoustic Environment for Preterm Born Infants

In close collaboration with Christoph Reuter from the Musicological Department of the University of Vienna and Matthias Bertsch from the Department of Music Physiology, University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, we investigate sound and noise environment of preterm born infants nursed within an incubator at the NICU and its influence on cognitive development.

Preterm Birth and Language Development

Language deficits are among the most commonly reported neurodevelopmental deficits in preterm born children. In a large longitudinal study, we investigate preterm born neonates using fNIRS and assess their language development years later with the aim to find early neurobiological markers of later language deficits. Early detection of deficits enhances early intervention possibilities and thus increases the chance to ameliorate language developmental delays.

Attention Across Development

Attention is a core neuropsychological component, and a prerequisite for good cognitive functioning, allowing one to think and act in flexible and complex ways, to establish goals of an action, and to organize oneself in conflictual situations. It also works as a filter for further intellectual abilities. Attentional problems can directly or indirectly lead to problems in other cognitive domains, as well as to developmental and psychiatric disorders, for example oppositional behavior disorder, hyperactivity, anxiety, and depression. Thus, attention deficits can have a significant impact on the daily life of children and adults. We are interested in the developmental trajectories of attention, from preterm born neonates to children and adolescents. With this knowledge, we aim at developing early detection of attentional deficits and early intervention in affected children.

Brain Maturation and Automated EEG Trend Analyses

In cooperation with Manfred Hartmann from the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT), we develop automated EEG trend analyses by using machine learning methods with the aim to a) get information on brain maturation, b) detect brain abnormalities/injuries,  c) determine timing and evolution of brain injuries,  d) determine timing of intervention, e) help making decision on therapy continuation/adaptation, and f) add prognostic value.