Multimodal Imaging of the Brain's Dynamic Functional Connections

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Understanding and modeling brain networks constitutes a major research area in brain imaging and neuroscience. In our previous NSERC supported research program, we developed new functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and analysis methods to create more accurate images of the brain’s functional networks. FMRI, however, only tells us about brain activity by measuring blood flow. Electrical activity and tissue oxygen also change with brain activity, and they can be measured independently using electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), respectively. However, the interrelationship between these measures is complicated by the fact that communication between brain regions is not static, but fluctuates on a time scale of seconds to minutes. Recording blood flow, electrical activity and tissue oxygen at the same time will allow us to better determine the organization of brain networks. We are seeking funding to extend our research program to bring these technologies together for the purposes of more accurate brain network imaging.