Overview 

Our research focuses on understanding the psychological and neural mechanisms underlying asymmetries in cognition and interhemispheric interactions. We aim to characterize the interhemispheric dynamics of higher-order cognitive systems, such as attentional selection and learning.

We employ various methodologies, including behavioral paradigms, functional neuroimaging (fMRI, EEG), and non-invasive brain stimulation, in both healthy individuals and those with cognitive deficits resulting from brain damage or dysfunction.

Research directions    

  • Attention, learning, and dopamine - Investigating the existence of a possible common mechanism underlying attentional and learning biases in a) healthy individuals in whom these biases are experimentally induced using behavioral or non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, and b) individuals experiencing these biases due to brain damage or dysfunction, as observed in conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and unilateral spatial neglect.
  • Interhemispheric dynamics and interactions - Investigating interhemispheric interaction to better understand and elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying interhemispheric dynamics. This research aims to provide insights that could inform potential rehabilitative interventions for patients with unilateral lesions leading to attentional deficits.
  • Body size and cognition - Building on the long-standing question of the mind/body relationship, we investigate the impact of body size on cognition. Specifically, we explore whether and how body size affects attentional selection and learning.

Members

Publications 

For a complete list see Selene Schintu's personal page

Grants

2023-2025 REFIT (neUrocognitive effects oF Embodiment on Implicit aTtitudes), Project Bando PRIN 2022 PNRR- Decreto Direttoriale n. 1409 del 14-09-2022, codice progetto P2022SAPYZ , CUP E53D2301962 0001

Ongoing collaborations  

  • Michael Freedberg, University of Texas, USA
  • Sarah Shomstein, The George Washington University, USA
  • Carmelo Vicario, University of Messina, Italy 
  • Lorenzo Pia, University of Turin, Italy
  • Olga Dal Monte, University of Turin, Italy