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Showing posts with the label Brain Connectomics

Non- Invasive Brain Computer Interface

  Non-Invasive Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) are systems that facilitate direct communication between the brain and external devices without the need for surgical procedures. They primarily rely on techniques that measure brain activity externally, such as electroencephalography (EEG). Principles of Non-Invasive BCIs 1.       Signal Acquisition : Non-invasive BCIs capture brain signals using external sensors placed on the scalp. The most common method employed is: Electroencephalography (EEG) : This method detects electrical activity produced by neuronal firing via electrodes attached to the scalp. 2.      Signal Processing : Once the brain signals are acquired, they undergo signal processing, which includes filtering, amplification, and feature extraction. The aim is to enhance signal quality and isolate relevant neural signatures associated with specific thoughts or commands. 3. ...

What is Connectome?

A connectome is a comprehensive map of neural connections in the brain, representing the intricate network of structural and functional pathways that facilitate communication between different brain regions.   1. Definition:    - A connectome is a detailed representation of the wiring diagram of the brain, illustrating the complex network of axonal projections, synaptic connections, and communication pathways between neurons and brain regions.    - The connectome encompasses both the structural connectivity, which refers to the physical links between neurons and brain areas, and the functional connectivity, which reflects the patterns of neural activity and information flow within the brain.   2. Structural Connectome:    - The structural connectome provides a map of the anatomical connections in the brain, showing how neurons are physically linked through axonal projections, white matter pathways, and synaptic contacts.    - Techniques ...

What is Connectomics?

Connectomics is a field of neuroscience that focuses on the comprehensive mapping and study of neural connections in the brain at various scales, ranging from the microscale of individual neurons and synapses to the macroscale of functional and structural connectivity between different brain regions.  1. Definition:    - Connectomics is the production and analysis of connectomes, which are detailed maps of neural connections within the nervous system of an organism, including the brain.    - Connectomics aims to understand the structural and functional wiring of the brain, elucidating how neural circuits are organized, how information flows between brain regions, and how connectivity patterns relate to brain function and behavior.   2. Scale:    - Connectomics can be studied at multiple scales, encompassing the microscale of individual neurons and synapses, the mesoscale of neural circuits and brain regions, and the macroscale of large-scale brain...

Functional Brain Network

Functional brain networks refer to the interconnected system of brain regions that exhibit synchronized neural activity and functional connectivity during specific cognitive tasks or at rest.  1. Definition:    - Functional brain networks are patterns of coordinated neural activity among different brain regions that work together to support specific cognitive functions, such as attention, memory, language, and emotion regulation [T5].    - These networks are identified using techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG), which measure changes in blood flow or electrical activity to infer functional connections between brain regions.   2. Resting-State Networks (RSNs):    - Resting-state networks (RSNs) are functional brain networks that exhibit synchronized activity even in the absence of a specific task, reflecting the intrinsic organization of the brain's functional architecture. ...

What is Brain Network?

A brain network refers to the interconnected system of neural pathways and regions in the brain that work together to support various cognitive functions and behaviors.  1. Definition:    - A brain network is a complex web of interconnected brain regions that communicate and collaborate to perform specific functions, such as sensory processing, motor control, memory, emotion regulation, and higher-order cognitive processes.    - These networks consist of both structural connections (anatomical pathways) and functional connections (patterns of neural activity) that enable information processing and integration across different regions of the brain.   2. Functional Brain Networks:    - Functional brain networks are identified using techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) to map patterns of synchronized neural activity across different brain regions.    - Resting-state networks (RSNs) ar...

What is Brain Network Modulation?

Brain network modulation refers to the process of influencing or altering the connectivity and activity patterns within the brain's functional networks.  1. Definition:    - Brain network modulation involves interventions or treatments that target specific brain regions or networks to induce changes in their functional connectivity, activity levels, or communication patterns.    - The goal of brain network modulation is to restore or optimize the balance and coordination of neural activity within and between different brain regions, ultimately leading to improved cognitive or behavioral outcomes.   2. Therapeutic Interventions:    - Various therapeutic interventions, such as pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, neuromodulation techniques (e.g., transcranial magnetic stimulation, deep brain stimulation), and lifestyle interventions (e.g., exercise, mindfulness practices), can modulate brain networks in individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders like de...

Multilayer Biophysical Network Models

Multilayer Biophysical Network Models are advanced computational frameworks that integrate functional and structural connectivity patterns of the brain across multiple layers or levels.    1. Integration of Functional and Structural Connectivity:    - These models combine information from functional imaging techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and structural imaging techniques like diffusion MRI (dMRI) to create a comprehensive understanding of brain network organization.    - By incorporating both functional and structural connectivity data, multilayer models can capture the dynamic interactions and relationships between different brain regions and networks.   2. Study of Network Configurations:    - Multilayer biophysical network models allow researchers to study the interactions between different network configurations within the brain.    - These models can provide insights into how changes in network con...

LPFC Functions

The lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) plays a crucial role in various cognitive functions, particularly those related to executive control, working memory, decision-making, and goal-directed behavior. Here are key functions associated with the lateral prefrontal cortex: 1.      Executive Functions : o     The LPFC is central to executive functions, which encompass higher-order cognitive processes involved in goal setting, planning, problem-solving, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control. o     It is responsible for coordinating and regulating other brain regions to support complex cognitive tasks, such as task switching, attentional control, and response inhibition, essential for adaptive behavior in changing environments. 2.      Working Memory : o     The LPFC is critical for working memory processes, which involve the temporary storage and manipulation of information to guide behavior and decis...