Baycrest

Imaging Unit Over the last year, the Rotman Research Institute (RRI) made a number of updates to increase its unique neuroimaging and research technology capacity, helping to advance our researchers' critical work. Upgrades to the magnetoencephalography lab Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is an advanced technology used to record the magnetic fields generated by the brain when we see a picture, listen to a sound, remember the past, plan the future, or just let the mind wander. Hundreds of sensors arranged in a helmet pick up the tiny magnetic fields even without touching the head. Baycrest is one of the few hospitals in the world equipped with MEG technology. To upgrade the experimental capabilities of researchers, a state-of-the-art MEG system was recently installed at the RRI, with system integration of new equipment for stimulus generation and response recording. Among many upgrades, the system now includes ergonomic buttons for research participants to use during experimental tasks; new technology to record participants' muscle activity; and integrated eye- tracking tools. These upgrades were supported by the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Ontario Research Fund. Reducing barriers to research participation with mobile testing The RRI recently acquired a mobile testing unit, making it possible to use technologies such as eye tracking and electroencephalography (EEG) in a mobile environment. As the RRI is a major partner in the University of Toronto's biobanking network, this mobile unit will allow us to bring research participation to the community, particularly underrepresented groups; reduce barriers to research participation; collect larger amounts of diverse data; and partner with community organizations in our research. The biobanking network is funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of Canadians suffer from post-COVID-19 condition. They experience symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and cognitive and psychiatric complaints, suggesting that COVID-19 may impact the brain long after infection. RRI researchers will use the mobile testing unit to examine the effects of post-COVID-19 condition in the brain. They will assess older adults living with this condition across Toronto, particularly their senses, cognition, and emotion, and utilize EEG to measure their brain activity. These results could help develop client-specific brain treatments to improve the health of many Canadians. Imaging technology to explore the heart-brain connection The heart plays a critical role in brain health. As such, it is important for researchers to be able to study both at the same time, to identify new ways to prevent, detect, and treat dementia and other brain health disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive brain imaging technique that uses radio waves and water molecules in the brain to construct images of the brain. Particularly powerful is MRI's ability to map blood flow and oxygen use in the brain for early detection of dementia, making it an ideal tool in the study of the heart-brain connection. In addition to a state-of-the-art MRI lab, Baycrest researchers have access to a Biopac system, which can be used in conjunction with MRI to record cardiac activity, skin conductance, and breathing patterns. In 2023, we also installed the Finapres system – the gold- standard device for recording dynamic blood pressure. This system is currently compatible with EEG and will soon be compatible with MRI as well. To learn more about our unique research facilities, click here. 2022–2023 ANNUAL REPORT 23

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