Mapping of human brain function has revolutionized systems neuroscience. However, traditional functional neuroimaging with positron emission tomography (PET) or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) cannot be used when applications require portability or are contraindicated because of ionizing radiation (PET) or implanted metal (fMRI). Additionally, current brain mapping methods such as fMRI offer promising sensitivity yet pose significant methodological challenges in studies of awake infants and toddlers due to the loud, constraining environment and extreme susceptibility to motion-induced artifacts.
Optical imaging with functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has long held promise as a naturalistic neuroimaging technique; however, image quality and reliability have been lacking, due partially to under sampled physiology and poor data-anatomy registration. Recent developments in high density diffuse optical tomography (HD-DOT), a silent, flexible, and scalable technology ideally suited for imaging awake infants and toddlers, have demonstrated dramatically improved image quality over traditional fNIRS methods.
In this talk, I will discuss challenges associated with mapping brain function in children in natural settings, recent advancements in developing HD-DOT methods, and applications in childhood development, autism spectrum disorder, and critical care environments.
Dr. Adam Eggebrecht received his Ph.D. in physics from Washington University with a focus on systems Neuroscience. He is currently an Associate Professor of Radiology in the Biophotonics Research Center at Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Eggebrecht’s interdisciplinary Brain Light Laboratory develops methods to advance beyond the limitations of traditional tools for investigating brain function and its relationship to behavior throughout the lifespan.