Section on Functional Imaging Methods

The section on Functional Imaging Methods (SFIM), Aug 17, 2007. Front Row, left to right: Javier Gonzalez-Castillo, Tyler Jones, Rasmus Birn, Marieke Mur, Youn Kim, Kevin Murphy, Doug Ruff. Second Row, left to right: Anthony Boemio, Kay Kuhns, Dorian Van Tassell, Jon West, Alissa Parr, Peter Bandettini. Upper left corner: Niko Kriegeskorte

The section on Functional Imaging Methods is within the Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, which is in the National Institute of Mental Health. Functional MRI is a technique that utilizes time series collection of rapidly-obtained magnetic resonance images sensitive to brain activation induced changes in blood flow, oxygenation, and volume. The utility of Functional MRI (fMRI) has been improving since it was discovered in 1991. The limits of the technique reside in the imaging technology, methodology, and in the uncertainly and variability in cerebral hemodynamics and neurovascular coupling. To improve the depth, breadth, and sophistication of the questions being addressed and the comparisons being made, it is necessary to develop ways to better characterize the hemodynamic response and to determine how precisely it relates to neuronal activity. It is also necessary to develop the technology and methodology that utilizes this information for making more accurate and interpretable maps.

The Section on Functional Imaging Methods is a team of physicists, psychologists, engineers, neuroscientists, and computer scientists committed to developing fMRI to it's full potential through inter-related advancements in technology, methodology, interpretation,and applications.