The release of dopamine in our insula, a brain area, is important for the regulation of drug addiction. However, little is known about how dopamine regulates the insular neural network activity. This research has identified insular cortical neuron types, each with characteristic morphological, functional, and connective properties. The release of dopamine triggers changes in the functional properties of only a subset of the identified neuron types. This project highlights potential candidate neuron types to further investigate/manipulate during behaviors related to drug addiction.

We will investigate how dysfunctions in network interactions between brain regions can explain the physiological basis of various cognitive disorders. We will in particular focus on how the fronto-striatal system is involved in controlling activity in posterior regions. This will be investigated using a range of neuroimaging techniques including brain stimulation. For instance, we will explore how cognitive training protocols aimed at changing network properties can influence the fronto-striatal network. Likewise, it will be investigated how neurofeedback training can alter the brain network to reduce symptoms associated with cognitive disorders.

Getting things done: Finding the balance between deciding fast, and deciding well. "Dont rush decisions!" Good advice, but too much deliberation leads to missed opportunities. Researchers will investigate how our brains help us to switch between impulsive and thoughtful decision-making strategies, and how getting stuck in one particular strategy may be related to negative consequences such as addiction and burn-out.

Much stress in the first 1000 days, from pregnancy to 2 years, can be harmful for life. HEALS Applied aims to detect such stress in young children at an early stage, and where necessary support the parents. HEALS Applied combines knowledge about co-creation and stress with the excellent Dutch preventive care during pregnancy and at well-child care, and develops new methods for early detection of harmful stress. HEALS Applied thus contributes to healthy and safe growing up of children, and provides new knowledge about stress; about sensors and biomarkers; about better support for parents; and about application in preventive care.

Our brain makes predictions about the future based on what it knows. However, what the brain actually predicts has remained largely unclear. This requires examining prediction in the real world, which is much more complex than typical lab experiments. This research will use new tools from artificial intelligence to examine how our brain makes predictions in real-life situations, how our brain is wired to do this, and how this affects our behavior, like what sparks our curiosity. By understanding this, we hope to achieve a richer understanding of how our brain works in naturalistic conditions.