METHOD
In vivo layer definition
The layer-dependent myeloarchitecture of the human cortex is used in post mortem tissue to define cortical layers, but has only recently been investigated in the living human brain. We used 0.5 mm isotropic qT1 tissue contrast acquired using a 7 T MRI scanner in living individuals to differentiate between outer layers, middle layers and inner layers in human primary somatosensory cortex (Döhler et al. 2023 J Neurosci [link]) and between superficial layers, layer 5a, layer 5b and layer 6 in human primary motor cortex (Northall et al. Neurobiol Aging [link]). This paves the way for using individualized segmentation and analyses methods to investigate the layer architecture of the living human cortex.
In vivo layer definition
The layer-dependent myeloarchitecture of the human cortex is used in post mortem tissue to define cortical layers, but has only recently been investigated in the living human brain. We used 0.5 mm isotropic qT1 tissue contrast acquired using a 7 T MRI scanner in living individuals to differentiate between outer layers, middle layers and inner layers in human primary somatosensory cortex (Döhler et al. 2023 J Neurosci [link]) and between superficial layers, layer 5a, layer 5b and layer 6 in human primary motor cortex (Northall et al. Neurobiol Aging [link]). This paves the way for using individualized segmentation and analyses methods to investigate the layer architecture of the living human cortex.
SYMPOSIUM
Symposium on microstructural imaging
The brain-in-depth (BID) symposium is an anual symposium on layer-dependent imaging that my group organizes together with collaborators from the Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, the DZNE, the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences and the Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research.
Symposium on microstructural imaging
The brain-in-depth (BID) symposium is an anual symposium on layer-dependent imaging that my group organizes together with collaborators from the Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, the DZNE, the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences and the Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research.
METHOD
Model the human cortex in 3D
In cognitive neuroscience, brain-behaviour relationships are usually mapped onto a two-dimensional cortical sheet. Cortical layers are a critical but often ignored third dimension of human cortical function. We explain why modelling the human cortex in three dimensions allows novel and unprecedented insights into the encoding schemes of human cognition. Key message: In different cortical layers, different computations take place. 3D models of human cognition allow to understand human cognition in its full complexity. Read the full paper: [link]
Model the human cortex in 3D
In cognitive neuroscience, brain-behaviour relationships are usually mapped onto a two-dimensional cortical sheet. Cortical layers are a critical but often ignored third dimension of human cortical function. We explain why modelling the human cortex in three dimensions allows novel and unprecedented insights into the encoding schemes of human cognition. Key message: In different cortical layers, different computations take place. 3D models of human cognition allow to understand human cognition in its full complexity. Read the full paper: [link]
METHOD
A new computational framework for 7T fMRI
One of the principal goals in fMRI is the detection of local activation in the human brain. However, lack of statistical power and inflated false positive rates have recently been identified as major problems. Here, we introduce a novel non-parametric and threshold-free software package called LISA to address this demand. LISA uses a non-linear filter for incorporating spatial context without sacrificing spatial precision. Compared to widely used other methods (e.g., SPM, FLS), it shows a boost in statistical power and allows a more reliable detection of small activation areas. Key application: The spatial sensitivity of LISA makes it especially suitable for the analysis of fMRI data acquired at ultrahigh field (≥7 Tesla). Read the full paper: [link]
A new computational framework for 7T fMRI
One of the principal goals in fMRI is the detection of local activation in the human brain. However, lack of statistical power and inflated false positive rates have recently been identified as major problems. Here, we introduce a novel non-parametric and threshold-free software package called LISA to address this demand. LISA uses a non-linear filter for incorporating spatial context without sacrificing spatial precision. Compared to widely used other methods (e.g., SPM, FLS), it shows a boost in statistical power and allows a more reliable detection of small activation areas. Key application: The spatial sensitivity of LISA makes it especially suitable for the analysis of fMRI data acquired at ultrahigh field (≥7 Tesla). Read the full paper: [link]
