Brain Imaging Techniques Used Today

Have you ever been lost in a location foreign to you? Typically, a person who is lost will use a map to gather their bearings before heading off in the correct direction. A similar approach can be used to discuss recent brain mapping technology, the primary research of Dr. Allen Jones. Dr. Allen Jones is a brain research whose ultimate goal is to unveil a complete map of the human brain, using recent brain imaging and histological techniques. In his TED talk entitled, A Map of the Brain, Dr. Allen Jones discusses a brief overview of the anatomical structures of the brain, as well as, the methods and conclusions of his brain research.

The new age brain imaging tools like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) allows live brain scan. For example from the brain images, it is found that the prefrontal cortex region (responsible for functions like solving problems and making decision) of the brain is smaller and functions less in the adults with bipolar disorder.

Due to this, it has been deemed difficult to determine which deficit is the consequence of which part of a lesion. To overcome this problem, other methods are being used to aid in the visualisation of memory processes in the healthy parts of the brain. These come in the form of functional neuroimaging studies using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). These studies have allowed researchers to target specific memory processes using targeted psychological experiments. However, with all psychological experiments, there are limitations to using neuroimaging equipment. PET and fMRI attain their signals from local changes in blood flow or metabolism correlated with neural activity rather than from brain waves (or signals). The local vascular changes affect the distribution of an injected radionuclide (e.g. O15) in PET or magnetic properties that are blood-oxygen level dependent (BOLD) in fMRI. The indirect measure of neural activity limits the temporal and spatial fidelity of activations.

fMRI scans were performed by using a complex machine with massive specifications, named 4-T whole-body Varian/ Siemens imaging system. Before they start their imaging, the patient’s heart rate was monitored with a fiber-optic pulse oximeter and placed on their head was a radio frequency coil to capture a map of their brain. Each patient is then instructed to lie calmly, breathe through their nose, and allow themselves to focus on the script that the instructors were about to read. Each script would usually last them about 30 seconds. After the script is read, they are encouraged to recall a memory for about 60 seconds and once they start, so does their measurements of their heartbeats. The script is then repeated again after 120 seconds. This method is repeated 3 times.

In neuropsychology and behavioral neuroscience, multiple methods have been used to create relations between brain function and behavior in addition to studying how the brain is stimulated to produce action. Static and Dynamic imagery techniques of observation have been used over the years to map out brain regions and understand relationships between internal brain activity and external behavior. However, one brain study method has proven to be a groundbreaking process that has managed to create other derivative methods and increased human understanding of the effects of brain activity alterations. This method is known as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

New functions of the brain are now clear due to new technologies. The positron emission tomography (PET) scan and the functional magnetic resonan imaging (FMRI) scan are two ways of imaging the brain in action. PET scans measure blood flow in the brain. To produce the PET scan, a person is injected with a slightly radioactive substance, unlike the FMRI scan, where an injection isn't necessary. The substance travels through the blood to the brain where it collects in active areas.The scans produce colored maps of brain activity.

Brain-imaging tools, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), allow researchers to have a close look at brain structures and activities.

Second, for each brain, multiple slices from prefrontal cortex was analyzed in order to eliminate positional variations.

Luckily thanks to advances in technology and imaging understanding the anatomy of the brain have been made possible. Not only are they able to understand the significance of the structure of the brain but this research allows neuroscientists to detect flaws in its functioning. They are now

Diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) uses information achieved from DTI to map white matter tracts (Meoded et al., 2011). Tractography can be used to evaluate selected neural pathways using two different fiber tracking algorithms (Panigrahy, Borzage, & Blüml, 2010). Data acquired in tractography produces a

Title: Evaluate experimental and brain-imaging techniques and consider what they tell us about the brain and cognitive behaviour in typical and atypical individuals.

Studies on the subject of human brain appear regularly in the fields of psychiatry and neuroscience. Breakthroughs in the field are due primarily to technological advances in brain imaging, with most studies employing at least one kind of brain scan to current research. The five most popular brain-scanning techniques are: Electroencephalography (EEG), Magnetoencephalography (MEG), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and Computerized Tomography (CT) (Scanning the brain, n.d., para. 4).

The human brain is a mystery that has been studied for centuries in attempt to understand how it functions. Scientists first thought that the brain was a structure that functioned a whole. It was in the early 1600’s where the first ideas of localisation of function in the brain started. At this time Rene Descartes discovered a tiny structure called the pineal

Some compare neurologists with fMRI to molecular biologists with light microscopes (Jaffe, 2004), for the reason that the capacity of fMRI is not sufficient for neurological study. It must be taken into account that later light microscopes evolved to electron microscopes, meaning that also fMRI will offer improved spatial and temporal information in the future. Its potential must be acknowledged, and in the meantime there should be efforts to find complementary analysis methods (Hubbard, 2003).

This underlies my logic for selecting the field of neuropsychology offered at the University of Groningen. Understanding the brain’s ability to communicate, produce complex behaviors, its ability to interpret the vast array of complex stimuli surrounding it, and providing care for those who suffer from complications arising within this system is not possible with a unilateral perspective. The particular research domain of clinical neuropsychology at the University of Groningen has developed a multilateral approach to understanding the brain by offering a unique interface between diverse specializations in the field of neuropsychology, and with this multilateral approach, my curiosity to further understand the