NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research

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 non-invasive, 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.

Clearinghouse for Neuroimaging Software and Data
Many neuroimaging tools and databases are underutilized because they are not user-friendly and there is no independent source of advice about these resources. This contract will establish an Internet-based Clearinghouse for use by the neuroscience community. Information about neuroimaging resources, including tools and databases, will be gathered and evaluated with respect to usage, interoperability, features, quality of documentation and support, and user satisfaction. Forums will encourage interaction between the user and the associated technology developers. Ongoing opportunities will be provided for public comment to guide the development of tools and resources and to enhance their use by the neuroimaging research community. The initial focus of the Clearinghouse is on tools, techniques, and resources for fMRI and directly related structural MRI.

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

 

 

New Ways to Image Neural Activityand the Clearinghouse for Neuroimaging Software and Dataare funded by the Institutes and Centers that comprise the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research.