Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Articles tagged with Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Rewiring rumination: A targeted brain-based approach to depression
Antibody spurs nerve fiber regrowth following spinal cord injury
A novel antibody, NG101, accelerates the regeneration of damaged spinal cord tissue by neutralizing a protein that blocks nerve fiber growth. This therapy enables new nerve fibers to form functional connections, allowing patients to become more independent and potentially recover arm and hand function.
Brain imaging reveals migraine headache subtypes, Stanford Medicine researchers find
One dose of psilocybin changes the human brain
Researchers found that psilocybin causes temporary shifts in brain entropy, leading to increased insight and emotional self-awareness. This correlates with improved well-being and cognitive flexibility, suggesting the psychedelic trip is key to its therapeutic effects.
Individual Brain Charting: new data advances high-resolution mapping of human cognition
The Individual Brain Charting project has released its fifth update with a new set of cognitive tasks, expanding the dataset to 40 hours of scanned data per participant. This provides an exceptionally rich resource for studying individual variability in brain organisation and understanding brain function.
The brain’s emotional hub is linked to alcohol use differently in young men and women
A study found divergent neural pathways for drinking patterns in young men and women, highlighting the importance of sex-specific prevention strategies. Amygdala reactivity was associated with depressive symptoms in males, while females showed a 'threat-avoidance' profile with lower alcohol risk scores.
Chinese Medical Journal article white matter lesions modifying endovascular therapy outcomes in large ischemic core stroke: A secondary analysis of the ANGEL-ASPECT trial
A secondary analysis of the ANGEL-ASPECT trial found EVT to be beneficial for patients with anterior-circulation LVO and a large ischemic core and absent-to-moderate white matter lesions. In contrast, those with severe WMLs showed less pronounced benefits, suggesting uncertainty about EVT's efficacy in this subgroup.
Imagination is more than sensory replay
A Northwestern University study found that imagination is not just a copy of sensation, but emerges at later stages of processing when the brain represents information holistically. The researchers mapped brain activity during imagination and perception, finding overlap in higher-level association areas.
Center for BrainHealth forms groundbreaking research collaborative to enable data sharing, accelerate discovery
The BrainHealth Network connects researchers across the country to understand brain health improvement through advanced MRI imaging and data analysis. The network leverages a comprehensive multimodal brain imaging dataset, including a longitudinal study of 100,000 healthy participants over 10 years.
A sea slug taught her how the brain works, and she never looked back
Dr. Phillips's laboratory identifies abnormalities in prefrontal-striatal-limbic circuitry as biomarkers for bipolar disorder before symptoms appear. Her team tracks neural network development from infancy through young adulthood.
Novel study shows physical activity reshapes neural connectivity and makes the brain more resilient after childhood trauma
Research in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging reveals that lifetime physical activity can reshape neural connectivity, strengthening the brain's internal communication and optimizing its response to stress. The study challenges traditional deficit-focused views of adversity, offering a more dynamic and hope...
Seals and sea lions provide clues to evolution of vocalization
Researchers used diffusion MRI to study the brains of seals, sea lions, and coyotes, finding a 'brain bypass' that allows for vocal flexibility. This discovery may hold the key to understanding the evolution of human language.
Discovering the “brain fingerprints” of chronic pain
A team of researchers has developed a method to decode fluctuations in spontaneous pain intensity in individuals with chronic pain using extensively sampled functional MRI data. The study found that neural patterns underlying pain differ markedly between individuals, highlighting the importance of individualized brain-based biomarkers.
University of Houston professor warns of nerve stimulation during MRI
Researchers found that implanted cuff electrodes can trigger unintended nerve stimulation during MRI, causing discomfort or pain. The study recommends more refined guidelines and careful safety considerations to mitigate this risk.
Study reveals insights about brain regions linked to OCD, informing potential treatments
Researchers found differences in how brain regions work together during certain cognitive tasks in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The findings may lead to new treatment targets for OCD, especially when involving transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
Clinical relevance of brain functional connectome uniqueness in major depressive disorder
A new study highlights the clinical relevance of brain functional connectome uniqueness in identifying biomarkers for major depressive disorder. Researchers found that patients with MDD displayed reduced FC uniqueness, especially in frontoparietal and sensorimotor networks.
“I see a rubber duck” – neuroscientists use AI to discover babies categorize objects in the brain at just two months old
Researchers used AI to analyze brain activity of 130 two-month-old infants, discovering that they can categorize objects in their brains at just two months old. This challenges earlier thought and highlights the richness of brain function in the first year of life.
Scientists reveal how language supports complex cognitive processing in the brain
The study reveals that higher language proficiency is associated with stronger functional connectivity within the brain network responsible for cognitive task performance. Deaf and hearing participants performed tasks similarly, but differences were observed in brain activity patterns.
Study revealed brain stimulation may improve attention but also heighten threat sensitivity in individuals with anxious depression
A new study found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can enhance task engagement and activation of brain regions associated with executive function in individuals with comorbid anxiety and depression. However, it unexpectedly heightened sensitivity to threats, including increased eyeblink startle response under conditi...
MRI scan breakthrough could spare thousands of heart patients from risky invasive tests
Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to estimate blood oxygen levels in heart failure patients using standard cardiac MRI. This breakthrough could spare thousands from undergoing risky tube procedures, allowing for safer and more frequent monitoring.
Artificial intelligence gives a clearer picture of functional MRI brain data
Boston College researchers have developed an AI-assisted method to remove 'noise' from functional MRI brain data, a major obstacle for fMRI research. The new method, known as DeepCor, outperforms previous approaches and could pave the way for new discoveries about the brain and its disorders.
Inconsistent sleep patterns in adolescents found to have widespread negative effects on the developing brain
A study of over 3,500 adolescents found that social jet lag has widespread negative effects on the developing brain's structure and neural circuits. This includes weaker connections between key brain regions responsible for sensory processing, emotion regulation, and social function.
Scientists identify five ages of the human brain over a lifetime
Researchers identified five phases of brain structure, each supported by four turning points between birth and death, revealing key developments in cognitive performance, neural efficiency, and regional compartmentalization. The study provides context for understanding why brains develop differently at various stages of life.
Dancing on the brain
A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo used AI and fMRI to study brain activity while participants viewed dance clips. They found that experts exhibited more diverse neural patterns than non-experts, suggesting a greater freedom in artistic expression.
New study finds novel link between shared brain-gene patterns and autism symptom severity in children with autism and ADHD
Researchers found a novel link between shared brain-gene patterns and autism symptom severity in children with autism and ADHD. The study suggests that focusing on specific symptom dimensions and their biological correlates may lead to more precise recognition and treatment approaches.
Mapping the links between brain development and mental health
Researchers have developed a new large-scale brain data resource that integrates data from five studies of brain development in children and young adults across three continents. The Reproducible Brain Charts (RBC) project provides a harmonized dataset for tracking changes in brain structure and function, allowing researchers to better...
Deep Learning for Enhancing High-resolution Blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
Recent advances in deep learning techniques have overcome limitations in spatial and temporal resolution of BOLD-fMRI. DL models improve image quality through super-resolution reconstruction, automate segmentation, and enhance registration, enabling finer localization of neural activity and more precise brain activity quantification.
Deep sleep supports memory via brain fluid and neural rhythms
Researchers have discovered that deep sleep plays a crucial role in controlling cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, which is essential for clearing waste from the brain. During slow-wave sleep, changes in cerebrospinal fluid signals are time-locked to slow brain waves and other neural events.
Heart rate changes predict depression treatment success with magnetic brain stimulation
Researchers have identified a rapid physiological marker that predicts which patients with major depression will respond to magnetic brain stimulation therapy. Patients whose heart rates slowed within 45 seconds of starting treatment showed significantly greater improvement in depressive symptoms six weeks later.
First 3D genetic mapping of the heart uncovers genes implicated in sudden death
A new study has uncovered 42 genetic locations associated with hypertrophy of the left ventricle, a major risk factor for sudden death. The research, conducted using three-dimensional MRI images and genome-wide analysis, could lead to earlier identification of individuals at greater risk.
Study suggests a novel approach for building communication and social connection among individuals with autism spectrum disorder
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that individuals with similar levels of autistic traits are more attracted to each other and their brains synchronize in unique ways during passive and active communication. This suggests a novel approach for building social connection among people with autism by tailoring environments.
Do you see what I see? People share brain responses for colors.
Researchers found that distinct neural representations of color are conserved across people's brains, enabling scientists to predict the color and brightness of observed stimuli using brain activity comparisons. This study provides new insights into the universal aspects of human color perception.
Novel accurate approach improves understanding of brain structure in children with ADHD
Researchers developed a new method to correct for variations in brain imaging measurements, reducing bias and increasing the accuracy of studies on ADHD. The traveling-subject method demonstrated reduced measurement bias while maintaining sampling bias, revealing decreased brain volume in critical regions for cognitive functions.
New study identifies novel neural pathway to treat alcohol use disorder
A new study found that tolcapone increases activity in the prefrontal cortex during self-control tasks, associated with better behavioral control and reduced alcohol consumption. The findings suggest that medications increasing prefrontal dopamine could be a promising lead for treating alcohol use disorder.
Expectations about pain influence the experience in different ways
Researchers found that external cues alleviated pain for all participants but only half reported less pain with placebo treatment. Predictive cues were less impactful when patients received placebo treatment. The study suggests cue-based expectations have more consistent effects than treatment-based expectations.
Optimists are alike, every pessimist has their own way
A study by Kobe University found that optimists' brains work similarly when imagining future events, while pessimists' brains show more individuality. This commonality may explain why optimists are seen as more sociable and satisfied with their social relationships.
How the brain controls its blood volume
Researchers discovered a two-step mechanism where inhibitory neurons release nitric oxide to rapidly dilate blood vessels, followed by slower, localized vasodilation via astrocyte activation. This breakthrough sheds light on how neural signals are translated into blood volume changes in brain imaging.
NUS-led global study shows longer brain scans lower research costs, provide more accurate predictions
A NUS-led global study reveals that 30-minute functional MRI scans deliver up to 22% in cost savings while retaining or improving prediction accuracy. This finding could reshape how researchers design neuroscience and mental health studies, especially for hard-to-recruit populations.
Using music to explore the dynamics of emotions
Researchers used music to assess brain activity and found that changes in patterns of activity reflect transitions between emotions triggered by music. The study suggests that the relationship between neural activity and emotional responses depends on the context of a person's previous emotional state.
Different brain profiles, same symptoms: New study reveals subtyping patients provides key insights into depression's complexities
A novel study in Biological Psychiatry highlights the layered and complex interactions between clinical symptoms and neurobiological sources of variation in depression. The research found that multiple brain profiles may manifest as the same clinical symptoms, supporting the presence of both one-to-one and many-to-one heterogeneity.
CHLA researchers testing new fMRI analysis method for children find unexpected improvement in brain health of aging women
Researchers used a new fMRI analysis method to measure cerebrovascular reactivity in 53 adults aged 51-83. They found an unexpected improvement in brain health in postmenopausal female participants, primarily in areas related to movement and memory.
Are groovy brains more efficient?
A new study from UC Berkeley reveals that the depth of small grooves on the brain's surface is correlated with increased connectivity between regions involved in reasoning. The researchers found that these tertiary sulci, unique to humans, may help explain individual differences in cognitive performance and serve as diagnostic indicato...
Brain scans reveal what happens in the mind when insight strikes
Research at Duke University found that insight triggers a burst of activity in the hippocampus, leading to better memory retention. Participants who experienced 'aha!' moments recalled solutions far better than those without, with conviction levels doubling long-term memory.
MRI breakthrough could revolutionize diagnosis of common heart problem aortic stenosis
Researchers at University of East Anglia developed 4D flow MRI scan to diagnose aortic stenosis more accurately and reliably than current ultrasound techniques. The technology offers more accurate measurements of blood flow through heart valves, leading to better prediction of when patients need surgery.
Is your heart aging too fast?
A new MRI technique measures a person's 'functional age' of their heart, revealing how unhealthy lifestyles add years to their heart's aging process. This method has the potential to transform heart disease diagnosis and offer a lifeline to millions by catching problems early.
Facial expressions of avatars promote risky decision-making
Researchers found that participants took more risks when interacting with avatars displaying facial expressions compared to real human faces. The study suggests that the amygdala plays a key role in driving increased risk-taking behavior in avatar-mediated communication.
Listening to an avatar makes you more likely to gamble
A study published in PLOS Biology found that individuals who receive dynamic facial-expression feedback from an avatar's face tend to gamble more than those receiving real human feedback. The amygdala plays a key role in this facilitation, with increased valuation of uncertainty contributing to increased risk-taking behavior.
Favorite music sets the brain's opioids in motion
A new study found that listening to favorite music activates the brain's opioid receptors, explaining why it evokes strong feelings of pleasure. The release of opioids is also linked to individual differences in music enjoyment and may help develop new music-based interventions for pain management and mental health disorders.
Study reveals how age and head shape affect dogs' olfactory brain networks
A new brain imaging study found that age and brain shape significantly impact the strength of connections between olfactory brain regions in dogs. Younger dogs and those with elongated brains had stronger functional connectivities, while older dogs and rounder-headed individuals performed worse in smell tests.
Brain areas necessary for reasoning identified
A team of researchers at UCL has identified key brain regions essential for logical thinking and problem-solving. They used lesion-deficit mapping to study patients with brain lesions caused by stroke or tumors and found that damage to the right frontal lobe impaired reasoning skills.
New USC study identifies key brain networks behind post-stroke urinary incontinence
A new USC-led study using fMRI reveals the neural mechanisms that contribute to urinary incontinence in stroke survivors. The research found significant differences in brain activity during voluntary versus involuntary bladder contractions, presenting potential pathways for targeted therapies.
Does cancer treatment affect connections in the brain?
New research reveals changes in brain connectivity during chemotherapy in breast cancer patients, particularly in the frontal-limbic system and cerebellar cortex. These changes worsen as treatment continues, suggesting that chemotherapy can quickly disrupt brain function in breast cancer patients.
People’s brain activity shows their political affiliation while buying food, study shows
A study found that brain activity can predict a person's political affiliation with 80% accuracy when making food purchases. Researchers used fMRI to measure brain activity in Republicans and Democrats, finding distinct neural patterns for each group.
Calorie-free sweeteners can disrupt the brain’s appetite signals
A study found that consuming sucralose alters brain activity related to hunger and increases appetite, especially in people with obesity. The sugar substitute changes how the hypothalamus communicates with other brain regions, including those involved in motivation, potentially leading to cravings and eating behavior changes.
Uncovering the brain’s flexible mechanisms for representing diverse numbers
Researchers found that brain areas respond to relative quantity rather than absolute quantity, with representations becoming more pronounced along the pathway from parietal to frontal lobe. This flexible nature of numerical quantity processing advances our understanding of how the brain handles other magnitude concepts like time and size.
How are children with ADHD’s brains different? Scans taken while VR gaming give new insight
A new study found that children with ADHD have a notable increase in functional connectivity while playing a virtual reality game, providing new insight into the condition. The results suggest that psychological testing for ADHD should be conducted in situations where symptoms are triggered.
Mount Sinai researchers specific therapy that teaches patients to tolerate stomach and body discomfort improved functional brain deficits linked to visceral disgust that can cause of food avoidance in adolescent females with anorexia nervosa
Researchers developed a new therapy that teaches patients to tolerate stomach and body discomfort, improving functional brain deficits linked to visceral disgust. The study showed improved outcomes for adolescents with low-weight eating disorders compared to traditional family-based treatment.
Watching nature scenes can reduce pain, new study shows
A new study found that viewing nature can help ease how people experience pain by reducing the brain activity linked to pain perception. The research suggests that the pain-relieving effect of nature is genuine and could provide an alternative way to relieve pain, potentially used in conjunction with medication.
Imagining future events changes brain to improve healthy decision-making, new study indicates
Researchers at Virginia Tech's Fralin Biomedical Research Institute found that practicing episodic future thinking reduced impulsivity and enhanced brain connectivity in key regions. The study suggests that this approach may be a valuable early intervention therapy for substance use disorders.