Brain Imaging: fMRI 2.0

Although we have been utilizing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) for over two decades now, we have only begun to scratch the surface of its potential. fMRI is a  non-invasive procedure that senses magnetic properties in oxygen rich blood, and as such it has become one of the preferred methods of imaging the brain.

Ironically, there is some debate in what fMRI actually measures. While it is known that a stronger signal indicates a greater need for oxygenated blood in the originating area, some researchers have questioned whether the oxygenated blood levels rise in anticipation of or during brain activity, or possibly even for other currently unknown reasons.

Another current topic in fMRI is the strength of the magnets. While most fMRI now operate with a magnet strength of less than 4 Teslas, there is a research full-body fMRI with a whopping strength of 11.5 Teslas. The reasoning behind this is that stronger magnets can create more detailed images.

Although the future of fMRI is unknown, the possibilities of its application are limitless. This is why I believe the problems brought up in this paper and others will be solved most likely in our lifetimes if not very soon.

Source: http://www.nature.com.lib-ezproxy.tamu.edu:2048/news/brain-imaging-fmri-2-0-1.10365