Mapping circuits, modeling motivation, guiding precision interventions, digital phenotyping and biofeedback
The NeuroSCOPE lab investigates the brain circuits underlying motivation and mood, with a particular focus on characterising depression. We are interested in combining multi-modal neuroscientific tools to not only deepen our understanding of the human brain but also to advance personalised mental healthcare. Using high-resolution 7T MRI, reinforcement learning paradigms, and digital phenotyping via EMAware technology, we aim to characterise motivation and its neural mechanisms. Through integrating neuroimaging with precision biofeedback interventions, we aim to map and modulate brain activity, implementing a rigorous and individualised approach to understanding and treating mood disorders.
Our team
Latest publications
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Spatiotemporal asymmetries on brain energy landscape uncover system entrapment related to depression severity
Preprint
Kilic Ü. et al, (2025)
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Effects of KCNQ potassium channel modulation on ventral tegmental area activity and connectivity in individuals with depression and anhedonia
Journal article
Morris LS. et al, (2025), Molecular Psychiatry
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Effects of the KCNQ (Kv7) Channel Opener Ezogabine on Resting-State Functional Connectivity of Striatal Brain Reward Regions, Depression and Anhedonia in Major Depressive Disorder: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial.
Journal article
Chowdhury A. et al, (2025), Biol Psychiatry
Key Readings
Digital measures of activity and motivation impact depression and anxiety in the real world
Cross-species dissection of the modular role of the ventral tegmental area in depressive disorders
Ventral tegmental area integrity measured with high-resolution 7-Tesla MRI relates to motivation across depression and anxiety diagnoses