Validation and Application

Lastly, we apply our latest methodological developments to fundamental neuroscientific research. We explore how cortical microarchitecture relates to genes and evolution. Our developments in optimized diffusion imaging and in optimized high-resolution functional imaging allow a detailed characterization of the visual system. By combining quantitative MRI with functional imaging methods, such as functional MRI and magnetoencephalography, we directly investigate the relationship between microstructure and information processing and transfer in the human brain. Finally, we aim to translate our methods to clinical applications, e.g., by providing quantitative outcome measures for clinical trials, such as the NISCI trial on spinal cord injury.

Illustrates the temporal sequence of the retro-cue paradigm.

We used high-resolution fMRI and multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) to explore how attentional modulation of working memory affects laminar specific representations in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). more

time courses of decoding accuracy

We performed laminar fMRI during a delayed match-to-sample task and varied working memory load and the requirement for a motor response. We found layer specific univariate and multivariate effects. more

BOLD activation map

A recent fMRI study showed layer-specific responses in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during a working memory task. We attempted to replicate the original findings using newly acquired data and a fully automated analysis. more

Image detail: Activation maps acquired with and without an MT-pulse

Using a field strength of 7 Tesla, the "Arterial Blood Contrast" (ABC), which is based on the Magnetization Transfer effect, could be measured with an isotropic spatial resolution of 1.5 mm in combination with a conventional functional MRI contrast. more

exemplary activation maps for thin and thick stripes

In this project, we studied cortical myelin in living humans at the spatial scale of cortical columns using high-resolution quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods at 7 T. more

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