March, 15th, 2023 by Marcio Furtado

 Our brains are remarkable machines, responsible for everything we think, feel, and do. Scientists have long been fascinated by the inner workings of the brain, and in recent decades, brain-imaging technologies have provided unprecedented insight into the complex structure and function of this organ. From magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to positron emission tomography (PET), these technologies have revolutionized the way we study the brain.

 One of the most commonly used brain-imaging technologies is MRI. This non-invasive technique uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain's structure. MRI can reveal the size, shape, and location of different brain regions, and can even detect abnormalities such as tumors, blood clots, or inflammation.

 Another powerful tool is functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which measures changes in blood flow to different parts of the brain. This allows researchers to observe which areas of the brain are active during different tasks or experiences and can help identify the neural circuits that underlie various behaviors and cognitive processes.

 PET imaging takes a different approach, using a radioactive tracer to visualize metabolic activity in the brain. By injecting a small amount of a radioactive substance into the bloodstream, scientists can track how it is metabolized by different brain cells, revealing which areas are active and which are not. PET is particularly useful for studying conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease, which affect the brain's metabolism.