We use modern neuroscience methods to explore the scientific questions discussed above. We use all modalities of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including high-resolution structural and functional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in healthy controls and select patient groups. We also make extensive use of electrophysiological recording (EEG and ERP) from non-invasive scalp electrodes in healthy volunteers, and in subdural electrode grids surgically implanted in patients with epilepsy. We also record psychophysiological measures, such as skin conductance and heart rate, and utilize high-resolution eye tracking.
Some of our research has focused upon methods. For example, we have long been interested in the relationship between fMRI measures of brain activity and EEG measures of brain activity. We are also currently evaluating advanced fMRI analysis methods such as dynamic causal modeling (DCM) and multi-voxel pattern analysis (MVPA).
Sample publications for research methods
Engell AD, Huettel S, McCarthy G (2012) The fMRI BOLD signal tracks electrophysiological spectral perturbations, not event-related potentials. Neuroimage 59:2600-2606.
Huettel SA, McKeown MJ, Song AW, Hart S, Spencer DD, Allison T, McCarthy G (2004) Linking hemodynamic and electrophysiological measures of brain activity: evidence from functional MRI and intracranial field potentials. Cereb Cortex 14:165-173.
Morey RA, Petty CM, Xu Y, Hayes JP, Wagner HR, Lewis DV, LaBar KS, Styner M, McCarthy G (2009) A comparison of automated segmentation and manual tracing for quantifying hippocampal and amygdala volumes. Neuroimage 45:855-866.