Neuroimaging


 

New Ways to Image Neural Activity
Neuroimaging technologies, such as EEG, MEG, and fMRI, allow us to observe brain functions. To date, however, the imaging techniques that are most commonly used to study neural activation during particular behaviors have been invasive (via the insertion of electrodes or the injection of radioactive tracers), constraining (such as the MRI chamber), or limited in their spatial and temporal resolution (for example, an EEG report is specific about time, but vague about location).

Six grants have been awarded to support the development of new ways to image the brain that are noninvasive, non-constraining, and can capture the rapid neural activation reflected in electrophysiological signals such as action potentials or local field potentials. These new imaging techniques will allow us to view neural activity simultaneously in space and time with high accuracy, making them valuable for measuring the neural underpinnings of behavior.

Contact:
Yantian Zhang, Ph.D.
Program Director, Division of Applied Science and Technology
National Institute on Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)
Yantian.Zhang@nih.gov
(301) 402-1373

Neuroimaging Informatics Tools and Resources Clearinghouse (NITRC)

Many neuroimaging tools and databases are underutilized because they are not easy to find, are not user-friendly, or are not compatible with other systems.  NITRC (www.nitrc.org) serves as a clearinghouse for neuroimaging tools and resources, and a forum where the research community can provide feedback about them.  NITRC users can compare and download software tools for collecting and analyzing functional neuroimaging data from fMRI, structural MRI, and other imaging modalities.  Users are encouraged to upload new tools, and to rate tools regarding ease of use, functionality, quality of documentation and support, and overall satisfaction.  The resources registered in NITRC include test data sets, image databases and forums where researchers can discuss trends and challenges in neuroimaging informatics.  Blueprint funding is made available for the improvement of existing tools and resources to make them better suited for dissemination via NITRC.

Since the site was launched in 2007, NITRC has become host to approximately 200 tools and resources, more than half of which had not been previously shared online.  In spring 2009, the American Council on Technology honored NITRC with an Excellence.gov award, recognizing it as “Best Overall” among 61 nominated government websites and IT programs.

Contact:
James Luo, Ph.D.
Program Director, Biomedical Informatics Programs
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)
luoja@mail.nih.gov
(301) 594-3715

Zohara Cohen, Ph.D.
Program Director, Division of Discovery Science and Technology
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)
zcohen@mail.nih.gov
(301) 451-4778

 

New Ways to Image Neural Activity and the NITRC are funded by the Institutes and Centers that comprise the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research.