Why some brain areas show decreased signals on fMRI
Characterization of neurovascular and neurometabolic coupling of the negative BOLD response in human
This project uses high-resolution MRI methods to look at why certain brain regions show lower signals when they become active in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11231728 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, you'll have high spatiotemporal BOLD fMRI and arterial spin labeling (ASL) scans while brief sensory or task stimuli are presented to provoke brain responses. The team will vary stimulus timing and use a stimulus-onset dithering approach to get precise measures of blood flow and oxygen changes in gray matter. They will map signal changes across cortical depth and along the brain surface and combine the measurements with computational models to link blood, metabolic, and neural components of the negative BOLD response. Scanning sessions are non-invasive but require lying still in the MRI scanner and following simple task instructions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who can safely undergo MRI scanning (no incompatible implants, can lie still, and can follow simple task instructions) are the typical candidates for participation.
Not a fit: People who cannot have MRI scans (for example due to pacemakers, certain implants, severe claustrophobia, or inability to remain still) are unlikely to be eligible or benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of negative fMRI signals could improve how doctors and researchers interpret brain scans and lead to more accurate imaging markers for brain health.
How similar studies have performed: Positive BOLD signals are well characterized and prior work has explored negative BOLD, but this high-resolution combination of BOLD, ASL, timing-dithering, and computational modeling is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Junghwan — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Kim, Junghwan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.