Brain imaging
Recent articles
Neuroimaging researchers pen statement protesting UK Biobank data-access changes
The signatories asked the organization to grant all imaging researchers a data-download exemption until the cloud platform can accommodate their processing needs.
![Illustration of a hand holding a pen reaching towards a blank sheet of paper.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Petition-1200-1024x692.webp)
Neuroimaging researchers pen statement protesting UK Biobank data-access changes
The signatories asked the organization to grant all imaging researchers a data-download exemption until the cloud platform can accommodate their processing needs.
Monkeys build mental maps to navigate new tasks
Cognitive maps, also known as world models, allow animals to imagine novel scenarios based on past experiences.
![Illustration of a monkey with map-like navigation pinpoints superimposed on its head.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lede-monkey-1200-1024x692.webp)
Monkeys build mental maps to navigate new tasks
Cognitive maps, also known as world models, allow animals to imagine novel scenarios based on past experiences.
New ‘decoder’ tool translates functional neuroimaging terms across labs
The compendium of brain-parcellation atlases makes it possible to compare large-scale network data, which often involves different and overlapping network names.
![Research image of a variety of brain atlases.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Fig2B-1200-1024x692.webp)
New ‘decoder’ tool translates functional neuroimaging terms across labs
The compendium of brain-parcellation atlases makes it possible to compare large-scale network data, which often involves different and overlapping network names.
Data access changes to UK Biobank stir unease in neuroscientists
“I feel a little bit in limbo,” says neuroscientist Stephanie Noble, who has paused a study using Biobank data after the repository shifted from a data download to a cloud-only access model.
![A digitally distorted image of a file folder against a blue gradient background.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/funkydata-1200-1024x692.webp)
Data access changes to UK Biobank stir unease in neuroscientists
“I feel a little bit in limbo,” says neuroscientist Stephanie Noble, who has paused a study using Biobank data after the repository shifted from a data download to a cloud-only access model.
Climbing to new heights: Q&A with Kaspar Podgorski
The optical physiologist tracks neural computations inside the lab and scales sheer rock faces outside—even after a life-changing fall.
![Portrait of Kaspar Podgorski standing in his lab wearing a helmet with a climbing rope over his shoulder.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/KasparPodgorski-lede-1200-landscape-1024x683.webp)
Climbing to new heights: Q&A with Kaspar Podgorski
The optical physiologist tracks neural computations inside the lab and scales sheer rock faces outside—even after a life-changing fall.
Connectivity takes U-turn in people with rare autism-linked mutations
Patterns of brain connectivity shift during puberty in people with deletion of the 22q11.2 chromosomal region.
![Research image of brain activity](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1200_connectivity-1024x683.png)
Connectivity takes U-turn in people with rare autism-linked mutations
Patterns of brain connectivity shift during puberty in people with deletion of the 22q11.2 chromosomal region.
New method reignites controversy over brain clearance during sleep
Tracers injected directly into mouse brain tissue instead of the cerebrospinal fluid show that brain clearance slows during sleep and under anesthesia, according to a study published last week—but proponents of the glymphatic system theory take issue with the technique.
![New method reignites controversy over brain clearance during sleep.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Glymphatics-1200-1024x692.webp)
New method reignites controversy over brain clearance during sleep
Tracers injected directly into mouse brain tissue instead of the cerebrospinal fluid show that brain clearance slows during sleep and under anesthesia, according to a study published last week—but proponents of the glymphatic system theory take issue with the technique.
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.
Brain connectivity and letting the data speak with Emily Finn
The Dartmouth College researcher talks about her quest to understand behavior and doing neuroscience “in the woods.”
![Illustrated portrait of Emily Finn.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1200-emily-finn-synaptic-neuroscience-transmitter-1024x692.webp)
Brain connectivity and letting the data speak with Emily Finn
The Dartmouth College researcher talks about her quest to understand behavior and doing neuroscience “in the woods.”
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.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
The work also adds to a growing body of evidence showing that mice, and their genetic toolbox, can be used to study cough.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200_coughingmice-1024x720.webp)
Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
The work also adds to a growing body of evidence showing that mice, and their genetic toolbox, can be used to study cough.
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
![Capitol building](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/capitolhill-1200-1024x692.webp)
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.
![Illustration of ketamine blocking open ion channels in active NMDA receptors, quieting the cells and disrupting downstream signaling involved in depression.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200-ketamine-receptor-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.