Neuroimaging

Memory mechanisms in the processing of words and word-like symbols

Modern functional imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) provide the opportunity to examine in some detail the implementation of mental activities in the human brain. Using measurements of changes in local brain blood flow obtained with PET as a marker of changes in local neuronal activity we have examined the processing of single words and word-like symbols. These studies reveal the very distributed, modular nature of this implementation and provide some preliminary insights into the role of memory mechanisms in the process.

Functional imaging of the brain by infrared radiation (thermoencephaloscopy)

A technique for thermal imaging of the animal and human brain cortex using an infrared optical system is described. Thermoencephaloscopy (TES) is based on improved thermovision and image processing techniques and allows two-dimensional, contact-free, dynamic and non-invasive recording of background and evoked cortical activity through an unopened skull. Activated (heated) and deactivated (cooled) zones of the cerebral cortex are revealed. The instrumental temporal resolution of TES is 40 msec (25 maps sec-1), the spatial resolution is up to 70 x 70 microns pixel-1. The diameter of the smallest recordable active region of the cortex is 200-300 microns. TES allows to detect the position, size and sequence of activation of precisely located specific cortical zones, and to measure their dynamics before, during and after sensory and direct cortical stimulation, motor acts and conditioning (associative learning). TES effects were recorded in rats, rabbits, cats, monkeys and humans. Waves were found spreading over the cortex with a speed up to 33 mm sec-1 along trajectories specific for the sensory modality and the site of stimulation. Some pathological processes in the brain are detectable by TES: spreading depression; stress; catalepsy; experimental tumors; and epileptic focuses. The main mechanisms of thermal responses recorded by TES are discussed: neural activity; local metabolism of units; local cerebral blood flow; and thermoconductivity in the activated zones of the cortex. Thermoencephaloscopy is a dynamic, non-invasive, contact-free, comparatively cheap, simple and inexpensive method of neuroimaging with a relatively high temporal and spatial resolution and sensitivity. It can be a useful tool in basic neuroscience and medicine.

Vibration-induced regional cerebral blood flow responses in normal aging

Task-induced changes in regional CBF (rCBF) can be measured with positron emission tomography (PET) and provide a powerful tool to map brain function. Many studies using these techniques have investigated responses in healthy young subjects. Since many pathological conditions occur more commonly in older subjects, it is necessary to compare blood flow responses in these patients with appropriately age-matched controls. Furthermore, the effects of normal aging on such blood flow responses remain unknown. For both reasons, we designed this study to determine whether vibration-induced CBF responses change with advancing age in normals. CBF was measured with PET and bolus-administered H2(15)O in 26 subjects from 20 to 72 years old (mean = 39; SD = 19). Regional responses were identified by subtraction-image analysis. Left and right hand vibration produced consistent responses in contralateral primary sensorimotor area (PSA) and supplementary motor area (SMA). Response magnitudes were compared to age by linear regression. There were no substantial relationships between age and responses to vibration for PSA or SMA (PSA r = -0.28, p = 0.054; SMA r = -0.33, p = 0.13). Power analysis demonstrates a high degree of confidence (99.7% for PSA and 87% for SMA) for detecting at least a moderate correlation (r = 0.6) between response magnitude and age. We conclude that the rCBF responses to vibrotactile hand stimulation do not change with normal aging.

Perspectives on cognitive neuroscience

How is it that we can perceive, learn and be aware of the world? The development of new techniques for studying large-scale brain activity, together with insights from computational modeling and a better understanding of cognitive processes, have opened the door for collaborative research that could lead to major advances in our understanding of ourselves.

Computational neuroscience

The ultimate aim of computational neuroscience is to explain how electrical and chemical signals are used in the brain to represent and process information. This goal is not new, but much has changed in the last decade. More is known now about the brain because of advances in neuroscience, more computing power is available for performing realistic simulations of neural systems, and new insights are available from the study of simplifying models of large networks of neurons. Brain models are being used to connect the microscopic level accessible by molecular and cellular techniques with the systems level accessible by the study of behavior.