New imaging techniques - window on the brain and mind

The brain is perhaps the most mysterious organ of the human body. But out of this mystery arises an even more mysterious entity, the human mind. The nineteenth and twentieth century witnessed many great discoveries of neurophysiologists and neuropsychologists on the functioning of the brain and mind, respectively. These achievements are spurring even greater findings in neuroscience research this century. Among the earliest studies on neuroscience were the anatomy and physiology of the brain. Neurons are known to be able to transfer information from to another through chemical and electrical transmission. Various materials are known to be transported within neurons for the purpose of their maintenance. This led to procedures of injecting radiolabelled or fluorescence compounds into the brain in experimental animal and visualising these indicators using proper recording equipment. Electrophysiological recording of neuronal function has also become the mainstay in research to understand the mechanism of brain and mind function. While these early methods have contributed significantly to the development of brain research and are still very useful today, new methods are being introduced to enhance the quest to understand the brain. One technique that seems to be getting a lot of attention today is the new imaging technique. Positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) measures brain functions which have hitherto been considered as being in the realm of psychology. Higher functions such as memory, and emotions such as love, have been shown to relate to specific areas of the brain. PET is also being tested for use to identify the biochemical nature of neurodegenerative diseases, and determine how well therapy is helping patients. The other imaging technique that is opening a vital window to the brain and mind is the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The MRI can produce detailed anatomical data in the form of a high quality three-dimensional image of organs and structures inside the body without X-rays or other radiation. It can also indicate structural abnormalities related to diseases. Functional MRI has been introduced to identify regions of the brain that are involved in performing specific tasks. By looking for differences of intensity between task periods and relaxation periods, it was possible to identify areas of the brain that were stimulated by these tasks. These new imaging techniques combined with the established imaging methods using dyes augur well for further and faster development in brain and mind research.