Date/Time Date(s) - 15/11/20233:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Location Physics and Astronomy Department
Guest: Dr. Atena Akbari Postdoctoral Associate https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=z3TvGgEAAAAJ&hl=en University of Western Ontario
Title: Laminar fMRI
Abstract:
Laminar fMRI is a specialized neuroimaging technique used to explore the functional properties of different layers or laminae within the cerebral cortex. This method leverages ultra-high-field MR scanners (? 7 T). While conventional fMRI provides insights into brain function by detecting changes in blood flow and oxygenation, offering a broad perspective on brain activity, and identifying regions involved in specific tasks or processes, laminar fMRI delves deeper. It aims to scrutinize these measurements at a finer scale, focusing on the cortical depth or layers. Applications of laminar fMRI encompass the study of sensory processing, information flow, and cognitive functions with higher spatial precision. This technique facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of neural circuit organization in the cerebral cortex, which is crucial for comprehending brain function and dysfunction in various neurological and psychiatric disorders.