One of neuroscience's most powerful tools, the functional MRI (FRMI), may one day be able to assist in the earlier detection of brain and neurological disoders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging is a non-invasive procedure that detects increased levels of blood flow into certain areas of the brain to detect neural activity.

As reported in the Feb. 14 issue of the journal Science, researchers from the University California at Berkeley (UC) discovered a new technique that they believe will one day allow for more detailed resolution of the neural activity that is occurring in the brain. This discovery could lead to a resolution measured in micrometers instead of millimeters as current techniques allow.

"This study has clear implications for basis neuroscience," said Dr. Mark D'Esposito, head of UC's brain imaging center. "A few millimeters in the brain translate into hundreds of thousands of neurons. There is no doubt that any method that can improve spatial resolution will help scientists better understand brain function."

D'Esposito and his colleagues found that when neurons are triggered, they immediately take in oxygen to fuel their activity, leading to a decrease in levels of oxygenated hemoglobin. The body reacts to this decreased oxygen level by sending a rush of oxygen-rich hemoglobin to the area. The FMRI then translates this process into an image of brain activity with a higher resolution than under current techniques.

Although further study is necessary, the researchers said imaging with this technique would allow scientists to get a better look at what is occurring at the cellular level where diseases begin.

Other sources: University of California at Berkeley