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Pediatrics Multimodal Brain Imaging at CHGD
Our goal at CHGD is to advance the study of human brain development. We study typically developing infants, children, and adults, as well those with developmental delays. We aim to advance our knowledge of the biological and environmental factors that affect children's growth and development in order to create better diagnostic a remediation tools.
Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy
CHGD brings a new non-invasive brain imaging system to the University of Michigan! Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) allows researchers to observe how the brain works and develops all the way from infancy to old age. To see a video demonstration of the system, click here.
The Importance of fNIRS Technology to Research on Early Childhood Development
Similar to functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), fNIRS measures blood flow changes in the brain to measure the amount of activity in different areas of the brain. The system uses near infrared light, which can pass into the brain, to detect the changing levels of oxygenated and de-oxygenated hemoglobin in the blood.
The TechEn fNIRS system is quiet, small, and motion tolerant -- thus making it a more child-friendly imaging method than fMRI. Additionally, it allows for the study of awake and behaving infants, children, and adults, as well as the study of populations that cannot safely undergo fMRI.
Visit the official TechEn website
Click HERE to view the May fNIRS Newsletter.
Images from Kuhl et al., 2008.
fNIRS is made possible by funding from:
The Office of the Vice President for Research, Center for Human Growth and Development, College of Literature Science and the Arts, College of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering/Functional MRI Laboratory, the departments of Linguistics, Otolaryngology/Audiology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Psychology, and Radiology, and the Schools of Dentistry and Kinesiology.
