JAPC - Novel Methodologies in Functional MRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Speaker: Prof. Manbir Singh, Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California

Topic: "Novel Methodologies in Functional MRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging to Map Human Brain Function and Connectivity"

Time: 2:00 PM, Friday, October 24th, 2008

Place: P-148 (refreshments will be served at 1:45 PM in P145A)

Abstract: Magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI) based methodology to probe brain function, called functional MRI or fMRI, has now reached the stage where it is well established and used widely in diverse fields such as neurosurgery, cognitive neuroscience and economics. Similar developments are now occurring in another MRI based modality called Diffusion Tensor Imaging or DTI, which enables one to map axonal connections through white-matter in the brain. This talk will focus on novel methodology that has been developed for both fMRI and DTI in Dr. Singh's laboratory at USC. Commonly used fMRI approaches present a snapshot view of brain function after a task has been completed.

This talk will review new methodology developed in Dr. Singh's laboratory to achieve dynamic fMRI where the fMRI signal is tracked through the brain at different time points during the performance of a task. Examples will be presented showing the sequential activation of different brain regions during a simple motor task and also during a more complex task where the subject is involved in making decisions in high risk versus low risk situations. Likewise, novel methodology to perform whole-brain tractography with DTI data, and potential applications toward detection of Alzheimer Disease and quantification of damage to brain connectivity in Traumatic Brain Injury will be discussed.

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