Overview

The Brain Imaging and Analysis Center (BIAC) brings together scientists from throughout Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, to find interdisciplinary solutions to fundamental research questions about the human brain. Two key themes underlie research at BIAC. The first is to improve research techniques in neuroimaging, through improvements in MR pulse sequence design, applications to high-field fMRI, experimental control, and understanding of brain hemodynamics. Second, BIAC researchers investigate the functional properties of the human brain by incorporating these state-of-the-art research techniques into studies of cognitive processing. Consistent with these two themes, four research groups in Imaging Methodology, Analysis Methodology, Cognitive Neuroscience and Clinical Neuroscience are formed within BIAC. The research activities in these groups are actively funded by grants from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Aging, National Institute of Drug Abuse, and National Science Foundation. Additional significant funding also comes from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Imaging Methodology (Harshbarger, Song, Truong)

This group is concerned with increasing the speed of the imaging acquisition, improving the spatial coverage of these imaging sequences, characterizing the functional brain signal observed with these techniques, and developing innovative acquisition methods to enhance the spatial and temporal localization of the functional brain activity.

Analysis Methodology (Song, Voyvodic)

This group is concerned with improving the quantification of structural and functional brain images. Innovative algorithms and software for brain segmentation, volume and cortical thickness determination, functional signal localization, as well as automated image processing and analysis pipelines are being developed.

Cognitive Neuroscience (Belger, Diaz, Dobbins, Huettel, Madden, McCarthy, Pelphrey)

This group is concerned with application of advanced imaging and analysis tools to investigate cognitive processes in human brain. Studies on executive functions, neuroeconomics, aging, and development are currently being carried out.

Clinical Neuroscience (Belger, Dichter, Lascola, Morey, Petrella, Wang)

This group is concerned with application of advanced imaging and analysis tools to investigate the neural bases of brain disorders in various patient populations. Studies on Alzheimer's disease, PTSD, depression, aging and developmental disorders are being conducted.