Section on Functional Imaging Methods
The Section on Functional Imaging Methods (SFIM) is within the Laboratory of Brain and Cognition at the National Institute of Mental Health. Since it began in 1999, SFIM has focused on understanding the neuronal, vascular, and physiologic underpinnings of neuroimaging signals, in particular fMRI, towards creating novel cutting-edge fMRI and MRI acquisition, modeling, and processing methods.
Our goal is to improve the precision, interpretability, utility, and depth of information derived from functional neuroimaging, and, in particular, functional MRI. We use approaches that include complementary multi-modal assessment, dynamic spatiotemporal modeling, and ultra-high-resolution imaging.
SFIM research can be thought of as residing at the interface of the four “pillars” of fMRI that include: Understanding the signal, developing novel acquisition methods, developing novel paradigms and processing approaches, and subsequent applications towards understanding the brain as well as towards clinical research. This depiction is shown below. SFIM has developed novel pulse sequences, paradigms, and processing methods that leverage what is understood bout the spatial and temporal properties of the fMRI contrast and noise. Resultingly, SFIM has gained insight into the neuronal and physiologic underpinnings of the signal that allows subsequent methods development or investigation into neuroscience or clinical questions. SFIM has thrived with a multi-disciplinary approach and a staff of individuals with highly diverse skills - all working together to advance fMRI spatial and temporal resolution, interpretability, replicability, and utility.
The MRI resources available include those operated by the Functional MRI Core Facility (FMRIF): two GE 3Ts, a Siemens Skyra 3T and two Siemens 7T scanners. Additional scanners available include a Siemens Prisma 3T and a Siemens 7T. Additional available human brain research modalities include MEG, EEG (with simultaneous EEG-fMRI capability), TMS, and optical imaging.
Recent SFIM Publications
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