Multimodal imaging of distributed neural systems in cognition

Brain imaging is one of the fastest growing areas in science and technology. These advances are making it possible to non-invasively peer deeper into the brain and watch as information is processed and thoughts are formed. With these capabilities come unprecedented opportunities for improving our basic understanding of the brain. This, in turn, allows for the development of new ways to diagnose and treat brain disease and disorders. However, in order to fully realize this potential, it is critical to gain a better understanding of the "activation" revealed through brain imaging - a step that is fundamental to learning more about higher mental functions. The current research focuses on advancing our understanding of activation, particularly that which supports higher mental function. The research involves the integration of data from brain scans (using magnetic resonance imaging) and brain waves (using electrical potential and magnetic field recordings). By improving upon current knowledge of the relationship between activation and brain function, the research will lay the foundation for a host of future advances in diagnostic imaging (e.g., surgical brain mapping).