Functional MRI (fMRI)
In functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), the so-called blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) contrast is utilized to map brain activation in healthy subjects or in neurological or psychiatric patients. In a non-invasive way, fMRI enables researchers to map brain activation e.g., during the brain's resting state, cognitive processing, emotional or somatosensory experiences.
Besides the characterization of activation patterns of distinct neurocognitive processes such as inhibitory performance, working memory and processing of speech, this fMRI group focuses on the implementation new fMRI techniques into the scanner environment. Specifically, it's the group's main focus to enrich fMRI data with results from other brain imaging techniques, e.g., EEG, PET and MEG to allow for a more detailed characterization of cerebral activation.
Moreover, the group trains study participants to learn to voluntarily modulate their own brain activation applying real-time fMRI and neurofeedback.
Several studies of the fMRI group are carried out in close collaboration with national and international external groups, for instance at the RWTH Aachen University, the University of Maastricht and the University of California San Diego.
Last updated: 07.Mar.2014
fMRI & EEG
The main aim of simultaneous electroencephalogram (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) recording is to combine the temporal resolution of EEG and the spatial resolution of fMRI.
fMRI & MEG
MEG and fMRI by themselves permit detailed descriptions of spatial (MRI/fMRI) or temporal (MEG) cerebral activation.
fMRI & PET
Recent technical developments in new PET modules prepared the field for an integrated multitechnique MR-PET imaging unit. This combined systems consist of a 3T Tim Trio and 9.4 Tesla MR-scanner with PET inserts. The simultaneous acquisition of MR and PET data offers a range of advantages over serial acquisition
fMRI & PET & EEG
A genetic simultaneous MR-PET-EEG/EMG study on the effects of nicotine on early attention processing in smokers and non-smokers
Pain is a complex, multidimensional, conscious experience. As such, measuring responses to pain can be challenging and requires multiple, diverse measures.
EPIK & High-resolution fMRI
In this project, an imaging technique is developed based on the EPIK sequence, which allows the acquisition of high resolution fMRI images with multiple contrasts.
Real-time fMRI & Neurofeedback
"Neurofeedback" refers to an fMRI technique which enables subjects to voluntarily modulate their own brain activity.