“Mapping layer-specific activation in humans using ultra-high spatial resolution fMRI at 7T”
Dr. Yinghua Yu
Assistant Professor, Okayama University
Date/Time
Monday, October 31 2022, 10:50-11:40
Abstract
The human cerebral cortex contains billions of neurons that are organized into well-defined laminar structures, and the neurons in each layer have thousands of inter-laminar and cortico–cortical synaptic connections with other neurons. Human development and learning processing are thought to shape both the laminar structural and functional organization of the cerebral cortex, something that is unique to human beings. In recent years, human studies have demonstrated the value of high-resolution fMRI in studying layer-specific activity in the human brain. This is mostly performed at ultra-high-field strengths (≥ 7 Tesla) and is known as layer-specific fMRI. Advancements in layer-specific fMRI are beginning to open new possibilities for studying questions in basic cognitive neuroscience. In this talk, I will present experiments in which we have been mapping cortical layer-specific activity in the human primary somatosensory cortex using tactile prediction tasks. I will also present our recent challenge, in which we focused on observing the layer-specific activity related to prediction in higher-level areas (i.e., the midcingulate cortex). Finally, I will describe the challenges of layer-specific fMRI.