Neurostimulation Podcast – Aug 30, 2025

Guests: Professor Bernhard Hommel & Professor Lorenza Colzato

Host: Dr. Michael Passmore

Episode Overview:

In this episode, Dr. Passmore is joined by Professors Hommel and Colzato to discuss their recent research on metacontrol—the brain’s ability to balance persistence and flexibility—and how it can be modulated using paired anodal tDCS and methylphenidate. The conversation explores the implications of reducing cortical noise, the significance of the aperiodic EEG exponent, and the potential for individualized, biomarker-guided neurostimulation treatments.

Key Topics:

Definition and importance of metacontrol in cognitive function

The spectrum between persistence and flexibility in the brain

Individual variability in cognitive control and its clinical relevance

The study: combining anodal tDCS over the right inferior frontal cortex with methylphenidate

Findings: reduction in cortical noise during task processing, indexed by a rise in the aperiodic EEG exponent (especially at fCZ)

Implications for ADHD, OCD, and other disorders affecting attention and cognitive control

The need for replication and standardization before clinical application

Cultural differences in treatment approaches (pharmacological vs. neurostimulation)

The future of personalized, feedback-driven neurostimulation and neurofeedback

Takeaways:

Metacontrol is a modifiable brain function, not just an abstract concept.

Combined tDCS and methylphenidate can reduce cortical noise during tasks, with the aperiodic exponent as a promising EEG marker.

The path to clinical application will require safety, individualization, and further research.

Links & Resources:

Study in Brain Stimulation Journal:

https://www.brainstimjrnl.com/article/S1935-861X(25)00081-6/fulltext

Additional lab content and resources:

https://www.bernhard-hommel.eu/en

The Metacontrol Lab YouTube channel

https://www.youtube.com/@metacontrol-2024

Disclaimer:

This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not attempt brain stimulation or drug-device combinations outside of supervised clinical research.

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