On Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:01:39 -0400, Christopher D. Green wrote: > What if you use MRI to image water? Well, if the water is in someone's > brain (and you set the thing up just right), you get the connectedness > map of the brain. Cool stuff! > See more here: > http://www.mindhacks.com/blog/2008/07/connected_to_the_hig.html
Very cool images. I've taken a look at the article that is the source for this but I'm going to wait to spend some time to give it a close reading. However, though I get the general idea (these images represent the network organization in the brain) it's not clear to me what the significance is of such networks. The images represent something like links or pipes that contain water but is it water within the neurons, surrounding the neurons, and/or the cerebral vascular system (i.e., the blood vessels of the brain)? And how do they distinguish these sources? Also, wouldn't it be more useful if one could map the paths and intersections of neural electrical patterns (i.e., action potential patterns) because single-cell and multiple-cell recording studies show how the speific neurons or networks appear to process specific types of information? I assume that the technology for doing this doesn't exist yet but this I understand a little better than tracking the path of water or fluids in the brain. It seems like this is a more sophisticated analysis of what a SPECT scan shows (i.e., regional blood flow in contrast to specific paths or "pipes"). Clarifications would be appreciated. -Mike Palij New York University [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
