Research

Mixed Reality and Pupillary Measures in ADHD Research

Our lab explores how mixed reality environments can reveal key differences in attentional control and cognitive processing in individuals with ADHD. Using the Varjo XR-4 headset, we track pupillary responses and saccadic movements, both of which provide biological markers of cognitive engagement. Pupil dilation reflects fluctuations in attentional effort, while saccades—the rapid eye movements made during visual scanning—offer insight into how efficiently the brain processes and shifts attention. By immersing participants in controlled virtual environments, we can measure these signals in real time, capturing how ADHD impacts sustained attention, distraction, and executive control.

EEG and the P300 Component in ADHD

Electroencephalography (EEG) provides a direct window into neural activity, and among its most studied components is the P300 wave, a brain response linked to attention, working memory, and decision-making. The P300 emerges when the brain identifies and processes a significant stimulus, with its amplitude and timing reflecting cognitive efficiency. In individuals with ADHD, the P300 response is often reduced or delayed, indicating difficulties in allocating attention and filtering distractions. By analyzing EEG recordings, we examine how ADHD affects neural information processing, offering a biological basis for the attentional deficits observed in behavioral tasks. These insights help bridge the gap between observable symptoms and underlying brain mechanisms, supporting more precise ways to assess cognitive function in clinical and research settings.

Flanker Task, Cognitive Load, and ADHD

The Flanker Task is a well-established behavioral measure used to assess cognitive control, attentional flexibility, and response inhibition—all areas where ADHD presents challenges. In this task, individuals must identify a central target while ignoring surrounding distractors, requiring them to suppress interference from irrelevant stimuli. Reaction times and accuracy rates provide a measure of cognitive load, or how much mental effort is required to maintain focus. Studies show that individuals with ADHD often exhibit longer response times and higher error rates, reflecting difficulties in filtering distractions and sustaining attention. By examining performance patterns in this task, we gain insight into how ADHD affects executive function, contributing to a more detailed picture of cognitive processing deficits associated with the condition.

Simulation of Neuronal Networks

To study how neurons organize, interact, and replay information, we develop computational models of neuronal networks in three-dimensional space. These simulations allow us to test theories of memory consolidation, pattern recognition, and synaptic plasticity under controlled conditions. One focus of our research is replay functions, where neural circuits reactivate previous activity patterns, a process critical for learning and decision-making. By mapping neuronal connections in simulated environments, we can explore how network topology influences information flow, revealing structural and functional principles that shape cognitive function. These models offer a powerful tool for understanding how disruptions in neural connectivity—such as those observed in ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions—may contribute to cognitive impairments.