NEUROIMAGING
Utilizing state-of-the-art neuroimaging technologies such as fMRI, fNIRS, and EEG, we delve into the intricate workings of the brain to decode neural processes and cognitive functions.
Images from OBELAB, Inc. (https://www.obelab.com)
FUNCTIONAL NEAR-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY (fNIRS)
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a non-invasive imaging technique used to monitor brain activity by measuring changes in blood flow. This method relies on near-infrared light to detect variations in oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin levels in the brain, which are indicators of neural activity.
FUNCTIONAL MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (fMRI)
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) is a non-invasive neuroimaging technique that measures and maps brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow. MRI specifically measures the BOLD (Blood-Oxygenation-Level-Dependent) signal, which reflects changes in the level of oxygenated versus deoxygenated blood in the brain. When a brain region becomes more active, it consumes more oxygen. The body responds by increasing blood flow to that area, which changes the ratio of oxygenated to deoxygenated hemoglobin. The fMRI scanner detects these changes in blood oxygen levels, allowing researchers to infer which areas of the brain are active during specific tasks or in response to various stimuli.
ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY (EEG)
Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive method used to record electrical activity in the brain. It is widely used in both clinical and research settings to monitor brain function, diagnose neurological conditions, and study cognitive processes. The brain's neurons communicate through electrical impulses, and these impulses create small voltage fluctuations that can be amplified and detected on the scalp in real-time. EEG uses multiple electrodes placed on the scalp to detect electrical signals produced by the brain.