Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is used to measure changes in blood oxygenation in the brain, providing insights into brain activity. Like fMRI, it’s a valuable tool for studying cognitive functions.
Understanding fNIRS
fNIRS works by using near-infrared light to measure changes in hemoglobin levels in the brain. These changes reflect neuronal activity, as active brain areas require more oxygen-rich blood. This method is non-invasive, meaning it does not require surgery or injections.
Key Uses of fNIRS
Here's a breakdown of what fNIRS is used for:
- Brain Activity Mapping: fNIRS allows researchers to observe which parts of the brain are activated during specific tasks.
- Cognitive Function Studies: It is useful for studying areas of cognition such as memory, attention, and language.
- Clinical Applications: fNIRS can be used to monitor brain function in patients, helping with diagnosis and treatment planning, for example, in stroke rehabilitation or cognitive impairment.
- Research with Special Populations: It is suitable for studying children and infants, thanks to its non-invasive and portable nature.
- Neurofeedback Training: fNIRS data can be used to provide real-time feedback to individuals, enabling them to learn to regulate their own brain activity.
fNIRS vs. fMRI
Both fNIRS and fMRI are used to measure brain activity by measuring blood flow, but there are key differences:
| Feature | fNIRS | fMRI |
|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | Non-invasive | Non-invasive |
| Portability | Portable | Not portable |
| Cost | Relatively low cost | High cost |
| Spatial resolution | Lower | Higher |
| Temporal resolution | Good | Good |
| Sensitivity to movement | Less sensitive | Highly sensitive |
| Noise | Less noisy | Potentially noisy |
Examples of fNIRS Applications
- Studying language processing in adults and children.
- Investigating the neural correlates of memory encoding and retrieval.
- Monitoring brain activity during social interactions.
- Evaluating the effects of interventions, such as cognitive training or physical exercises, on brain function.
fNIRS provides a valuable non-invasive way to study brain activity, particularly useful for research and clinical settings where fMRI may not be practical or feasible. It is a versatile tool for exploring various aspects of cognitive neuroscience. The core functionality revolves around measuring blood oxygenation changes similar to fMRI, as explained in the reference provided.
