Research

A lot of information possibly influencing behaviour is processed pre-attentively, but can be accessed by modern cognitive neuroscience, for example by registering the brain’s automatic responses to deviance (mismatch negativity, MMN). MMN deteriorates in many clinical conditions but it is unknown whether the decrease is general or construct-specific. The current Project asks how MMN is related to trait and state variables, and whether the relationship is general or specific. To answer this, (1) a database for preattentive processing and background information will be formed, and normative descriptions of such processes defined; and (2) MMN methodology will be applied in three experimental studies to find specific features characterizing pre-attentive information processing in language learning, eating behaviour and excessive use of smart devices. In the future, outcomes of the Project can be used in designing and monitoring effectiveness of educational and health promotion programs.

Learn more: “Pre-attentive information processing in the brain: relationship to state and trait variables, and behaviour” (Estonian Research Information System).

As the world is becoming more urbanized and cities of the future need to be people-centred, robust evidence-based knowledge on the underlying biological and psychological processes, by which Urban Planning & Design influence brain circuits and human behaviour, will be critical for policy making on urban health. Emotions are key drivers of our decisions; similarly, our choices are the conduit for our well-being and health. Thus, research focusing on the signals triggered in our neurobiological architecture, responsible for emotions and decisions, while humans interact with the urban environment will shed light on how to improve population health, physical and/or mental. The eMOTIONAL Cities project was designed to fully characterise the intensity and complexity of urban health challenges and inequalities. By exploring the mechanisms and their dynamic, it complements conventional descriptive perspectives focused on exposure-outcome associations. It adopts a systems approach, based on natural experiments and actual problems of case-study cities (Copenhagen, Lisbon, London; and Lansing/Detroit in the USA). Building on theoretical foundations, novel eMOTIONAL city mapping will be generated by combining spatial analysis on social/health data with neuroscience experiments.

Our research relies on mixed (qualitative/quantitative) methods and uses multidisciplinary instruments from Urban Planning & Design (GIS for land use, transport, climate and health), Neuroscience (fMRI, EEG) and Data Science & Technology (AI, Big Data and VR/AR reality). The analysis also addresses gender aspects and contemplates a clinical study to show that urban design can impact a vulnerable elderly population at risk of developing dementia. Finally, a novel machine-learning scenario discovery framework will allow testing and impact assessment (for cost-effectiveness, barriers and facilitators) of urban policy strategies to turn EU cities into smart, sustainable and inclusive environments. The eMOTIONAL Cities is a part of the European Cluster on Urban Health.

Learn more: Homepage – eMOTIONAL Cities (emotionalcities-h2020.eu), eMOTIONAL Cities – Mapping the cities through the senses of those who make them (Estonian Research Information System).