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Neuroimaging

Research method

Neuroimaging encompasses the collection of methods that allow us to investigate brain structure and function non-invasively.

Neuroimaging

Neuroimaging encompasses the collection of methods that allow us to investigate brain structure and function non-invasively.

 

We develop tools to improve:

  • Spatial and temporal resolution of neuroimaging data.
  • The statistical analysis of these data.
  • Data quality (artefact correction).
  • The clinical application of neuroimaging.
  • The open sharing of neuroimaging tools and techniques.
  • The integration of multiple imaging modalities.

Our goal is to provide:

Neuroimaging data with the highest level of accuracy, precision and detail by developing new acquisition techniques, analysis methods and imaging technology.

 

Impact

The impact of our work can be seen through the changing ways in which the neuroimaging community acquire and analyse data. For example, our Centre pioneered many fundamental neuroimaging analysis methods, all of which have been made freely available via the Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) software – one of the most popular software packages for analysing brain imaging data globally.

We continue to develop analysis techniques, data acquisition schemes and biophysical models that help us to interpret the neuroimaging data.  Ultimately, we seek to obtain mechanistic insight into the neural processes underpinning our function and behaviours, and to relate these to the brain’s microstructural organisation. These insights will help us to understand what goes wrong in neurological and psychiatric disorders.

We also research how emerging technologies can further our understanding of the human brain. For instance, we are currently developing a 50-channel wearable MEG system based on Optically Pumped Magnetometers (OPMs) and have recently installed a new ultra-high-field (7 Tesla) MRI system. Coupling these new technologies with dedicated analysis and computational modelling methods, we will be able to fully leverage the benefits these emerging technologies offer, and gain unparalleled insight into human brain structure and function with unprecedented detail.

 

Recent work

MEG

  • We have demonstrated laminar-specific cortical dynamics using MEG.
  • We have developed a wearable MEG system based on OPMs for use in cognitive and clinical neuroscience.

MRI physics

  • We have developed imaging sequences for quantitative and functional imaging that have been provided to neuroimaging centres all around the world.
  •  We have developed a flexible, real-time image reconstruction pipeline (based on the Gadgetron framework) that enables neurofeedback experiments and accelerates our ability to develop and deploy new techniques on our MRI scanners.
  • We are part of a large consortium of present and former Centre members that develops software to enable the concept of “in vivo histology using MRI” to non-invasively characterise tissue microstructure.

SPM

  • The SPM software package provides support for over 5000 active users.
  • We support open science through the use of the Brain Imaging Data Structure (BIDS).
  • We develop multi-modal modelling approaches for fMRI and MEG/EEG