The future of fMRI
This series of essays explores new developments and challenges in human brain imaging.
Should we use the computational or the network approach to analyze functional brain-imaging data—why not both?
Emerging methods make it possible to combine the two tactics from opposite ends of the analytic spectrum, enabling scientists to have their cake and eat it too.
![A hand holds multi-colored cubes.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NeckerCubeArt-1200-1024x692.webp)
Should we use the computational or the network approach to analyze functional brain-imaging data—why not both?
Emerging methods make it possible to combine the two tactics from opposite ends of the analytic spectrum, enabling scientists to have their cake and eat it too.
To improve big data, we need small-scale human imaging studies
By insisting that every brain-behavior association study include hundreds or even thousands of participants, we risk stifling innovation. Smaller studies are essential to test new scanning paradigms.
![Illustration of a hand reaching out to adjust a dial that sits in the middle of several images depicting brain activity and various behaviors.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1200-transmitter-neuroscience-small-scale-imaging-studies-1024x683.webp)
To improve big data, we need small-scale human imaging studies
By insisting that every brain-behavior association study include hundreds or even thousands of participants, we risk stifling innovation. Smaller studies are essential to test new scanning paradigms.
To make fMRI more clinically useful, we need to really get BOLD
A better understanding of the blood oxygen level dependent, or BOLD, signal requires more support for multimodal imaging studies.
![An illustration of a mouse sitting in an armchair next to a framed picture of mouse brains](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/1200_fouz_mouse-1024x683.webp)
To make fMRI more clinically useful, we need to really get BOLD
A better understanding of the blood oxygen level dependent, or BOLD, signal requires more support for multimodal imaging studies.
Explore more from The Transmitter
New connectomes fly beyond the brain
Researchers are mapping the neurons in Drosophila’s ventral nerve cord, where the central nervous system meets the rest of the body.
![Research image of neurons in the fly’s ventral nerve cord.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lede-motormodules-1200-1024x692.webp)
New connectomes fly beyond the brain
Researchers are mapping the neurons in Drosophila’s ventral nerve cord, where the central nervous system meets the rest of the body.
Building an autism research registry: Q&A with Tony Charman
A purpose-built database of participants who have shared genomic and behavioral data could give clinical trials a boost, Charman says.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1200_Charman-1024x687.webp)
Building an autism research registry: Q&A with Tony Charman
A purpose-built database of participants who have shared genomic and behavioral data could give clinical trials a boost, Charman says.
Cerebellar circuit may convert expected pain relief into real thing
The newly identified circuit taps into the brain’s opioid system to provide a top-down form of pain relief.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/paincircuit-1200-1024x692.webp)
Cerebellar circuit may convert expected pain relief into real thing
The newly identified circuit taps into the brain’s opioid system to provide a top-down form of pain relief.