The five brain scans mentioned in the provided reference are positron emission tomography (PET), near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), magnetoencephalogram (MEG), electroencephalography (EEG), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). These are valuable tools for cognitive neuroscientists.
Here's a breakdown of each:
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Positron Emission Tomography (PET): This scan uses radioactive tracers to measure brain activity. It can detect changes in blood flow, oxygen use, and glucose metabolism, providing insights into how the brain functions.
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Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS): NIRS is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses near-infrared light to measure brain activity through changes in blood oxygen levels. It's particularly useful for studying cortical activity.
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Magnetoencephalogram (MEG): MEG measures the tiny magnetic fields produced by electrical activity in the brain. It offers excellent temporal resolution, allowing researchers to track brain activity changes very quickly.
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Electroencephalography (EEG): EEG uses electrodes placed on the scalp to measure electrical activity in the brain. It's a non-invasive technique that's widely used in sleep studies and for detecting seizures. It's good for capturing the timing of events, but less good at showing exactly where in the brain the activity is occurring.
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Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI): fMRI detects changes in blood flow to different regions of the brain. It provides detailed images of brain activity and is commonly used to study cognitive processes.
