September, 2026
New paper!

Here we measure synaptic density with positron emission tomography (PET) to investigate the learning-induced synaptic plasticity more directly, and MRI-based GMV to investigate structural plasticity.

Participants’ performance improved significantly, and more for the complex than the simple training group. The VOI-based PET and GM analyses did not yield any significant results. In this pilot study, we did not identify significant changes in synaptic density as a surrogate marker for plasticity after motor learning in the a priori chosen VOIs.

Read the full article here: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41539-026-00451-5

September 16-18, 2026
Tinnitus Research Initiative Conference @ Berlin (GER)

Katrien presented her latest research in Berlin, exploring the underlying pathophysiologic pathway in somatic tinnitus using brain imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

September 14-18, 2026
Editingschool and Advanced MRS symposium @ Alaska (US)

Kia and Jitske participated in the international Editingschool and Advanced MRS symposium. Besides learning a lot about MRS, they were also involved in networking and exploring the beautiful nature.

September 17, 2026
New paper!

We are pleased to share our new paper:
“Age-group differences in diffusion MRI characteristics of cortico-cerebellar tracts and their association with bimanualperformance“

Our findings showed an overall reduction in fiber density and cross-section in older adults, primarily driven by macrostructural differences; together with localized increases in these structural properties in specific regions. No significant relationships were found between cortico-cerebellar white matter properties and bimanual motor performance.

Read the full article here: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2026.1933331

June 14-18, 2026
OHBM Conference in Bordeaux

Our team was actively engaged in the OHBM conference in Bordeaux. Besides ‘hot’ research topics, temperatures were also hot. Overall, it was a great experience and we’ll go back home with new ideas. We also met many scientists from different labs and there are for sure options to join forces to set-up innovative research projects in the future!

May 21-22, 2026
Bangor Imaging Cerebral Physiology lab visit @ REVAL

We had the pleasure of meeting with our colleagues from the Bangor Imaging Cerebral Physiology lab (Wales), led by Prof. dr. Paul Mullins.

This meeting was organised in the context of the FWO Scientific Research Networks grant, which was awarded to Prof. dr. Koen Cuypers and Prof. dr. Paul Mullins.

During these two productive days, we shared insights from our ongoing research and brainstormed innovative and impactful ideas for future collaborations.

We are looking forward to the groundbreaking work this partnership will bring to the field!


March – May 2026
Internship at Oxford

Svitlana finalised a 3-month stay at the FMRIB Centre, University of Oxford. Svitlana improved her skillset on (Ultra-High Field) Magnetic Resonance Imaging and MR Spectroscopy data-analysis (FSL-MRS, William Clarke & Saad Jbabdi). I am very thankful to Svitlana’s co-supervisor Charlotte Stagg and her team for the amazing and warm experience and providing Svitlana with this opportunity. I am also grateful to the Research Foundation Flanders – FWO for providing Svitlana with a grant for this research stay.

April 21, 2026
New paper!

We are pleased to share our new paper:
“Type 2 diabetes is related to neurochemical alterations in the default mode network: An exploratory cross-sectional magnetic resonance spectroscopy study“

•Findings suggest regional alterations in brain energy metabolism in T2DM.

•T2DM group showed reduced tNAA and tCho (PFC), tCr (PCC), and GSH (hippocampus).

•Various brain metabolite levels may be correlated to blood glucose control.

•Considering glucose control as a continuum might offer more sensitivity.

•HERCULES 1H-MRS allowed more metabolites to be quantified simultaneously.

Read the full article here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2026.121949

April 15-16, 2026
Setting-up 7T MR Spectroscopy

Together with Ralph Noeske, Melina Hehl and Koen Cuypers have been involved in setting-up the MRS sequences on the new Inter-University GE SIGNA 7T at the Research Park in Zellik.