Functional Brain Imaging
Functional Brain Imaging - Related Videos
17:06
Co-analysis of Brain Structure and Function using fMRI and Diffusion-weighted Imaging
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Cited by 17 •
2012
We describe a novel approach for simultaneous analysis of brain function and structure using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We assess brain structure with high-resolution diffusion-weighted imaging and white-matter fiber tractography. Unlike standard structural MRI, these techniques allow us to directly relate anatomical connectivity to functional properties of brain networks.
16:08
Brain Imaging Investigation of the Impairing Effect of Emotion on Cognition
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Cited by 11 •
2012
We present a protocol that allows investigation of the neural mechanisms mediating the detrimental impact of emotion on cognition, using functional magnetic resonance imaging. This protocol can be used with both healthy and clinical participants.
13:05
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) with Auditory Stimulation in Songbirds
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Cited by 12 •
2013
This article shows an optimized procedure for imaging of the neural substrates of auditory stimulation in the songbird brain using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). It describes the preparation of the sound stimuli, the positioning of the subject and the acquisition and subsequent analysis of the fMRI data.
12:15
In Vivo Functional Brain Imaging Approach Based on Bioluminescent Calcium Indicator GFP-aequorin
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Cited by 7 •
2016
Here we present a novel Ca2+-imaging approach using a bioluminescent reporter. This approach uses a fused construct GFP-aequorin which binds to Ca2+ and emits light, eliminating the need for light excitation. Significantly this method permits long continuous imaging, access to deep brain structures and high temporal resolution.
10:50
Functional Imaging of Auditory Cortex in Adult Cats using High-field fMRI
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Cited by 6 •
2014
Functional studies of the auditory system in mammals have traditionally been conducted using spatially-focused techniques such as electrophysiological recordings. The following protocol describes a method of visualizing large-scale patterns of evoked hemodynamic activity in the cat auditory cortex using functional magnetic resonance imaging.
FAQs
Functional magnetic resonance imaging usually interprets blood oxygenation changes as signals associated with local neural activity. This relationship is indirect: the measured vascular response serves as a marker of activity rather than a direct recording of neurons. Researchers can therefore examine which regions respond during a task or during rest.
Positron emission tomography uses radiotracers to map biological signals such as metabolism or receptor activity. This makes it mechanistically different from blood oxygenation-based measurements: the measured tracer distribution reflects the biological target selected for the study. That distinction helps investigators examine metabolic or receptor-level information alongside task-related regional responses.
Functional brain imaging adds a dynamic dimension to structural imaging. Structural methods describe anatomy, whereas functional approaches examine activity-related changes associated with tasks, rest, or illness. Combining the two perspectives can help researchers relate an observed response to the brain region involved, while avoiding the assumption that anatomy alone explains behavior or cognition.
Study design begins by selecting an observational condition, such as a cognitive task, resting state, or illness-related comparison, and then matching the imaging method to the biological signal of interest. Functional magnetic resonance imaging can track blood oxygenation responses, whereas PET can map metabolism or receptor activity. The resulting measurements are interpreted in relation to behavior or cognition.
In learning and memory research, investigators can examine how brain regions and networks respond while participants engage in relevant tasks or rest. The same framework supports studies of neurological disorders, where altered functional patterns may be related to disease. It also allows researchers to assess treatment effects by comparing functional information across conditions or stages of investigation.
The biological value of these methods lies in connecting activity patterns with observable outcomes. Measurements can be considered alongside behavior, cognition, and disease status to investigate relationships between neural function and broader biological processes. Network-level interpretation is important because responses may involve coordinated brain regions rather than a single isolated location.