BESA Research

BESA Research is the most widely used software for source analysis and dipole localization in EEG and MEG research. It is the result of over 30 years of development driven by groundbreaking neuroscience research from the University of Heidelberg and the University of Konstanz. Designed for both novice and expert users, BESA Research provides an intuitive, versatile, and powerful Windows®-based environment for analyzing brain activity and connectivity.

At the core of BESA Research is its ability to transform raw EEG and MEG recordings into meaningful brain activity maps, enabling researchers to localize sources of neural signals with high spatial and temporal resolution. Whether you're interested in event-related potentials, epileptiform discharges, oscillatory activity, or network connectivity, BESA offers an integrated suite of tools to streamline your workflow from preprocessing to publication.

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Key Features

• Advanced Source Analysis & Imaging: Accurately localize and visualize neural sources using a range of methods including dipole modeling, beamforming, and cortical imaging. Users can analyze MEG and EEG simultaneously, and switch between head models (BEM/FEM) with just a few clicks.
• Connectivity Analysis: Explore the dynamics of brain networks using state-of-the-art time-frequency and coherence tools. BESA enables separation of evoked and induced activity, and reveals functional connectivity using measures that reduce volume conduction artifacts.
• Integrated MRI and fMRI Support: Import individual MRI and fMRI data and co-register with electrophysiological recordings. BESA supports template and subject-specific head models and includes automatic model loading from BESA MRI.
• User-Friendly Interface: One-window design for source and connectivity analysis ensures a smooth workflow. Built-in montages, color schemes for publication, and intuitive plotting make complex data easy to interpret.
• Powerful Data Review & Preprocessing:
  • Digital filtering (notch, bandpass, narrow band)
  • Artifact detection and correction (EOG/EKG)
  • Independent Component Analysis (ICA)
  • Pattern detection using spatio-temporal correlation
  • Flexible epoch review with event-tagging and visualization
• Broad File Format Compatibility:
  • Native support for most EEG and MEG hardware formats
  • New readers for XDF, CURRY 8/9, Dark Horse Neuro, and OPM data (Cerca Magnetics)
  • MATLAB interface for direct export
• Cutting-Edge Innovations in Version 7.1:
  • Improved Bayesian source imaging (SESAME) with hyper-priors and parallel processing
  • Minimum norm estimates using full noise covariance matrices
  • Beamformer virtual sensor montages based on brain atlas regions (Yeo7/Yeo17)
  • Confidence intervals visualized in co-registered MRI slices
  • MNI coordinate support in source windows

Whether you're investigating brain function, clinical phenomena, or developing new signal processing methods, BESA Research provides the tools and flexibility needed to support your neuroscience discoveries.

BESA Research 7.1 - New Features NEW

• Compare Boundary element method (BEM) and Finite element method (FEM) models on M/EEG data with just a couple of mouse clicks. These models are automatically loaded into the Source analysis module after calculating these in BESA MRI and can be exchanged in the head model section of the module.

• Combine MEG and EEG into a single data set for simultaneous and combined source modeling.
• For an easier overview of individual anatomies, MRI display now offers a multi-slice view in any orientation.
• Calculate confidence limits for discrete source solutions, and displayed these in co-registered MRI images.

• Various improvements, enhancements, and speed optimizations for the Bayesian source imaging method SESAME were implemented. Furthermore, hyper-priors were introduced (see: https://arxiv.org/abs/2006.04141) and parallel computing was optimized.
• Utilise the full noise covariance matrix computed from individual trials in the computation of minimum norm estimates.
• Calculation of beamformer virtual sensor montages based on atlas regions is now supported.

• Two new brain atlases added: Yeo7 and Yeo17 (https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00338.2011).
• User Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) coordinates now in the Source Analysis window.
• Automatic alerts for the baseline interval definition feature when it interferes with signals of interest.
• Color schemes for publication purposes are now available.