Neuroscientists locate 'imaginary' colors
Researchers found that grapheme-color synesthetes see reported colors and experience activation in color-selective brain regions. Stronger color perception was linked to better behavioral performance.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Articles tagged with Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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Can you read my mind? W.M. Keck Foundation funds innovative brain research at Carnegie Mellon
Researchers Marcel Just and Tom Mitchell use computer models to interpret fMRI brain scans, developing a computational theory of brain activity during language processing. They also demonstrate how reading different words and sentences influences brain activity and identify specific brain regions involved in language comprehension.
Brain imaging studies investigate pain reduction by hypnosis
Researchers used fMRI to study brain activity under hypnosis for pain suppression, finding reduced activity in pain network areas and increased activity in other regions. This suggests that hypnosis blocks the pain signal from reaching the brain's perception centers.
Dartmouth researchers find where musical memories are stored in the brain
Researchers found that people mentally fill in gaps in familiar music with auditory imagery, and lyrics impact different auditory brain regions when reconstructing musical memories. The study extends previous work on auditory imagery and visual imagery, revealing a kind of auditory imagery typical of everyday experience.
UCLA neuroscientists pinpoint new function for mirror neurons
A study by UCLA neuroscientists found that pre motor mirror neuron areas of the brain can ascribe intentions to actions when presented within a context. This expansion of knowledge supports imitation-based treatments for autism and similar disorders, which may improve social interaction skills.
Predicting the future: Mirror neurons reflect the intentions of others
Researchers used mirror neurons to study human behavior and found that these cells can predict the intentions behind actions. This suggests a deeper level of understanding and prediction in human social interactions.
Brain region learns to anticipate risk, provides early warnings. suggests new study in Science
A new study suggests that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) functions as an early warning system to help recognize and avoid high-risk situations. The ACC learns to warn us of potential mistakes before difficult decisions must be made, allowing for more careful behavior.
New study suggests race fear isn't hard wired
Researchers at Princeton University found that automatic vigilance happens mainly when people categorize others, but this reaction can be controlled. The study used fMRI to measure activity in the amygdala and showed that participants only exhibited activation when they categorized faces by age, not racial characteristics.
Choosing where to look – and changing your mind
A study using fMRI reveals separate brain regions for making choices and dealing with conflicts, shedding light on why people with damaged medial frontal cortex struggle with actions and difficult decisions. The findings have implications for understanding human decision-making processes.
Magnetic resonance imaging deconstructs brain's complex network
Researchers used MRI to study brain activity and found that tens of thousands of discrete brain regions form a network with the same features as other complex networks, such as the Internet. The brain network shares two fundamental properties: small world connectivity and in-homogeneity, allowing for efficient information transmission.
Your brain and you: Forecasting the ethical challenges ahead for neuroscience and society
Researchers warn of growing ethical challenges in neuroscience as brain imaging technologies become more accessible. Breakthroughs in functional neuroimaging enable the study of cognitive processes, but also raise concerns about corporate profits and personal data privacy.
Brain imaging reveals new language circuits
A study employing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirms long-held suspicions about the complexity of language processing in the brain. Researchers identified a new language area, dubbed Geschwind's territory, which connects to classical language areas via a separate route, shedding light on the evolutionary origins of language.
Brain activity reflects complexity of responses to other-race faces
Researchers found that unconscious subcortical bias can be squelched by the frontal cortex, and that early perceptual processing may result in an automatic emotional response. Consistently, participants with less racial bias displayed less amygdala activity to black faces.
How the brain is wired for faces
Researchers Galit Yovel and Nancy Kanwisher found that the FFA extracts configural information about faces, not spatial information on face parts. Their studies also indicated that the FFA is exclusively involved in face recognition.
Brains of people with autism recall letters of the alphabet in brain areas dealing with shapes
Research using fMRI scans reveals that individuals with high-functioning autism exhibit different brain activation patterns when recalling alphabet letters, with more activity in right hemisphere and less in left.
Brain imaging with MRI could replace lie detector
A study using fMRI and polygraph exams found that brain activity can distinguish truthful responses from deceptive ones. The researchers created a relevant situation for normal volunteers, who showed activation in specific brain areas during deception.
Brain remapping may be key to recovery from stroke
Studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) show that individuals with brain deficits can relearn matching visual input with sensory input. This study used fMRI and a cyber glove to demonstrate the effectiveness of remapping motor commands, a crucial step in stroke recovery.
Brain regions activated by food craving overlap with areas implicated in drug craving
A study found that brain regions activated by food craving are also involved in drug craving, suggesting a common neural basis for both. The hippocampus, insula, and caudate were identified as key areas of activation during food cravings.
Adults with dyslexia can improve with phonics-based instruction
Researchers found that adults with dyslexia who received phonics-based instruction showed significant improvements in reading ability, including gains of 6-23% in text reading and phonetic awareness. The study also revealed changes in brain activity associated with phonetic processing.
Psychologist finds instance where 'two wrongs do make a right'
University of Oregon researchers Paul Dassonville and Jagdeep Kaur Bala found that the distinction between perception and action streams is oversimplified. Their study revealed that slight manipulations of an illusion led to a new realization, where the 'right' physical movements were made despite inaccurate visual perceptions.
Coke versus Pepsi: It's all in the head
A recent study found that Coke preference is influenced by brand knowledge and activates specific brain regions, including the hippocampus. This discovery highlights the role of cultural messages in shaping taste perception and has important implications for understanding obesity and other health issues related to sugared colas.
Knock knock knocking on rhythm's neural doors
A USC study found that the brain processes rhythmic and discrete movements differently, with distinct activity patterns in different brain areas. The research has implications for movement control and rehabilitation, as well as our understanding of music's effect on human movement.
A genetic disorder yields insight into genes and cognition
A genetic disorder, Williams syndrome, has been studied using brain imaging techniques to understand its impact on genes and cognition. The research found that the disorder affects the dorsal pathway of the visual cortex, leading to difficulties in visuospatial construction.
Carnegie Mellon and University of Pittsburgh scientists discover biological basis for autism
Researchers found abnormalities in brain activity among people with normal IQs who have autism, indicating a deficiency in coordination among brain areas. The study proposes the underconnectivity theory, which suggests that autism is a distributed system-wide disorder limiting integration among brain areas.
Advances in diagnosis and treatment of autism, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, fetal brain imaging
Fetal imaging technologies like DTI and fMRI enable early diagnosis and treatment of brain abnormalities, improving outcomes for patients with epilepsy, autism, and Alzheimer's. Researchers presented advancements in detecting seizure origins and understanding autistic brain function through innovative imaging techniques.
The human brain responds to receiving rewards 'the old fashioned way'
Researchers used fMRI to study brain activity in response to rewards, finding that reward centers were activated when participants actively received the reward. Active participation was found to be more salient and arousing than passive receipt, highlighting its importance for brain function.
Promoting the brain image bank
The Dartmouth College fMRI Data Center has archived over 70 complete studies with data from 1,000 individuals. Researchers can access the repository at no charge, fulfilling over 1,200 requests. The collection contributes to understanding human cognition.
Language 'center' of brain shifts with age
Researchers found that language capacity 'evens out' with age, with older adults using more of both hemispheres relative to language skills. The study suggests improvements in linguistic skills and maturation of the central nervous system contribute to increased hemisphere dominance in childhood.
Imaging study reveals brain function of poor readers can improve
An imaging study found that teaching matters and good instruction can change the brain's functioning in children, improving reading ability. The study showed significant gains in reading skills among children who received intensive phonemic awareness and phonics-based instruction.
Brain signal predicts working memory prowess
Researchers have discovered that a brain electrical signal can predict an individual's visual working memory capacity, which varies from 1.5 to 5 objects. The study found that the signal levels off when the number of objects exceeds the subject's capacity, while those with higher capacity show large increases in brain activity.
Following complex motions
A new study provides support for the ancient origin of the MT visual center in primates, suggesting it evolved early in primate evolution. The researchers used optical imaging to analyze the brain structure of a small nocturnal primate called the galago and found similarities with monkey brains.
Imaging the brain solving problems through insight
Studies using fMRI and EEG reveal a distinct neural activity pattern in the right hemisphere's anterior Superior Temporal Gyrus (aSTG) associated with insightful problem-solving. This finding suggests that insight involves integration of distantly related information, providing new insights into cognitive processes.
The human brain and comparative judgments
A new study published in Neuron reveals that the brain processes continuous dimensions such as size and luminance in distributed regions of the cortex. The researchers observed that there is considerable overlap between local brain regions and no single region uniquely selective for one particular stimulus.
Evidence suggests that the brain can switch to 'automatic pilot' during learning
Researchers at Duke University found that the brain can switch to automatic mode when learning new skills, reducing cognitive effort. By analyzing fMRI data, they discovered that the cortex rapidly recovers prior responses, allowing for efficient decision-making and reduced neural activity.
Brain Centre gives Wales a world lead
The new centre will combine functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) to study brain processes involved in everyday mental tasks. Research at the centre may lead to improved treatments for conditions like strokes, multiple sclerosis, and schizophrenia.
Brain scans show how placebo eases pain
Researchers used fMRI to map changes in brain activity after volunteers received a placebo, showing the prefrontal cortex is activated in response to pain relief. The study provides new insights into the brain's pain pathways and may lead to new therapies for chronic or acute pain.
Special training may help people with autism recognize faces
A new study suggests that individuals with autism can develop face recognition skills through specialized training. The research found that the fusiform gyrus, a brain region responsible for face processing, is activated in adults with autism, but requires training to function properly.
Sex in the brain: How do male monkeys evaluate mates?
Researchers used fMRI to study male monkeys' brain activity in response to attractive female scents, finding high levels of neural activity in areas associated with decision-making and memory. The study suggests that males don't just act on primal urges, but exhibit complex neural processes when evaluating potential mates.
Left side of brain activates speech from birth
Research using fMRI scans found left-hemisphere activation in infant brains during speech stimulation, suggesting early language lateralization. The study challenges the long-held assumption that language dominance is progressive until puberty.
All sides are not created equal as babies process speech
Researchers used fMRI to study infants with documented brain injury and found early evidence of left-hemisphere-dominant activation patterns during speech processing. This challenges the long-held assumption that language lateralization is progressive until puberty, instead suggesting a more complex process.
fMRI depicts multisensory dysfunction in people with dyslexia
Researchers used fMRI to study brain activity in people with dyslexia, finding increased visual pathway activation during auditory tasks, linked to poorer performance. The findings suggest abnormal cross-modal sensory processing may be a fundamental deficit in dyslexia.
Better brain imaging helps surgeons avoid damage to language functions
Researchers at Washington University developed a non-invasive fMRI technique to better evaluate brain surgery risks and guide operations to avoid sensitive language areas. This breakthrough holds promise for safer surgeries for nearly 200,000 Americans diagnosed with brain tumors annually.
Reading the brain
Researchers used fMRI to compare brain activity in children, adolescents and adults while reading simple words aloud, revealing differences in brain function across the lifespan. The study suggests that brain function during language tasks changes with development, potentially shedding light on language disorders.
Brain links non-food images with eating -- But only when hungry, study suggests
Researchers discovered that the brain can associate certain stimuli with food consumption when hungry, but not after eating. This association is linked to brain regions involved in conditioning and reward pathways.
'Virtual biopsy' - A new way to look at cancer
Functional MRI can help identify tumor heterogeneity and biological quirks that predict response to treatment. The imaging technology offers insight into a tumor's character beyond its superficial structure, enabling targeted therapies for specific sites.
Columbia investigators win 2003 Gairdner International Award for research
Researchers at Columbia University have made significant discoveries in understanding the immune system and brain function, including the identification of key genes involved in odor recognition. Their work has provided new insight into how smell is represented in the brain.
New brain imaging pinpoints areas of brain most crucial for normal functioning
Researchers have developed a new brain imaging technique called Voxel-based Lesion-Symptom Mapping (VLSM), which pinpoint areas of the brain most crucial for normal functioning. The method uses structural MRI scans and compares them to functional brain imaging data, allowing for more accurate mapping of brain damage and behavior.
Study provides new insights into the functional neuroanatomy of motor imagery
A new study explores brain activity during explicit mental operations of finger representations using objective confirmation of performance. The researchers found that brain areas associated with motor execution and imagery were equally activated, suggesting a functional gradation from more 'executive' to more 'imaginative' areas.
Car fanciers’ experience mental traffic jams when viewing autos and faces simultaneously
Researchers found that expert car viewers' ability to recognize cars interferes with face recognition, while novices do not. The study suggests a common neural circuitry for holistic object recognition, applicable to various objects, including faces and cars.
New findings could lead to higher resolution functional MRIs
Researchers at UC Berkeley used a custom-made sensor to study the link between nerve cell activation and oxygen levels in brain tissue. The study found that initial decreases in oxygen levels precede increased neural activity, promising advancements in brain imaging techniques.
Rutgers researcher advances understanding of attention deficit disorder and schizophrenia
A Rutgers researcher is using brain signal analysis to better understand attention deficit disorder (ADD) and schizophrenia. By monitoring brain activity in real-time, the study aims to identify common patterns of interaction that can help define brain profiles for individuals with these conditions.
Braille found to be essential, regardless of age of blindness
A new study confirms that Braille is crucial for visual cortex development in blind individuals, regardless of age of blindness. The research used fMRI to compare early and late blind subjects, finding similar activation patterns in the visual cortex.
Symphony of memory formation revealed
A UCLA study used fMRI to scan brains while participants learned to associate names with faces, revealing areas of high activity during encoding and retrieval. The findings show that different parts of the hippocampus contribute to memory formation and retrieval in distinct ways.
Scientists identify brain regions where nicotine affects attention, other cognitive skills
Nicotine enhances activation in posterior cortical and subcortical regions of the brain, improving attention in smokers. The study found that nicotine helps focus attention on task demands by shifting cognitive resources from less used parts of the brain.
Melodies in your mind
Scientists at Dartmouth College used fMRI experiments to locate the brain region that processes musical harmony, revealing a key area in the rostromedial prefrontal cortex. This discovery may help explain why music evokes strong emotions and behaviors.
Imaging study provides new information on how the brain processes sounds of different tones
Researchers used fMRI to compare representation of repetition rate across cortical and subcortical structures in human auditory pathway. Findings revealed distinct patterns of activity in response to trains with varying repetition rates, shedding new light on neural representations of sound perception.
Aging lowers activity in brain's language areas; performance unaffected
A study by Northwestern University found that aging slows brain activity in language areas, particularly in the left front lobe and parietal cortex. However, this decrease is associated with increased processing efficiency, as older adults perform equally well on language tasks compared to younger counterparts.
The brain gets the big picture
Researchers used fMRI to study how the brain processes visual patterns. They found that a higher area of the brain recognizes patterns and sends a message back down to lower areas to stop responding, allowing for better detection of new or different items. This improved ability can enhance the brain's overall processing efficiency.
Brain study of back pain sufferers yields intriguing results
A brain study reveals that people with lower back pain experience severe pain even from a gentle finger squeeze, while fibromyalgia patients feel the same level of pain. The study uses fMRI to measure brain activity and finds enhanced response to pain in some areas and diminished response in others.
Rutgers wins funds to create online index of moving brain images
The Rutgers project aims to develop software that allows medical researchers and physicians to share and analyze brain imaging data online, improving the understanding of brain disorders. The new search tools will focus on dynamic brain activity, filtering away secondary signals to reveal underlying pathways.