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Novel Neuroscience
Novel Neuroscience
Novel Neuroscience
The brain controls all systems and functions within the human body, making it the most complex structure we have. Due to its complexities, the finite details of its functions and connections are yet to be understood.
The cerebellum is the second-largest structure in the brain, yet it is often overlooked in research. However, Western researchers are changing our understanding of the cerebellum by producing the first map of the cerebellum using task-based data. This map allows researchers to examine its contribution to cognition in detail, something that was not possible previously.
Researchers in Western's Optical Neuroimaging Research Group (ONRG) are using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to better understand consciousness in patients in a vegetative state. For patients who require continuous life-sustaining care, traditional brain imaging methods such as fMRI are often not feasible. Unlike fMRI, fNIRS is a portable, non-invasive technology that is placed over the patient's head, allowing researchers to monitor brain activity while patients continue to receive the critical care they need.