This project is based on a new MRI technique, called diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). In the DTI technique, the directionality (anisotropy) of water diffusion in the brain is measured. This anisotropy is due to the orientation of bundles of axons and/or their myelin sheaths. Namely, brain water preferentially diffuses parallel to fiber bundles rather than perpendicular to them. Thus, the measurement of diffusion orientation carries interesting information about the brain anatomy that has not been accessible by conventional imaging techniques.
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The overall aim of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of generating computerized human brain atlas based on the DTI. Knowledge of neuronal connections by the white matter tracts is of critical importance for the understanding of normal brain functions and brain abnormalities. However, to date most approaches have relied on invasive in vivo techniques and, necessarily, human data have been severely limited. In this project, we have two long-term goals. These are elucidation of white matter architecture and studies of brain development.
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Study of white matter architecture: The white matter consists of axonal tracts with convoluted trajectories and it has been difficult to delineate them using non-invasive techniques. Using the DTI, we expect that we can study the detailed anatomy of the human white matter and its abnormalities. There are two sub aims in this project. First, human white matter atlas will be created based using the DTI. Second, a DTI database for normal human brains will be created. The atlas and database will be accessible through this website, which will facilitate the development of various data analysis and visualization tools and contribute the understanding of the white matter anatomy.
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Study of human brain development: Human fetal and embryonic brains have very poor MR contrasts and it has been difficult to study the development of various early structures using MRI. However, the DTI can provide rich anatomical information based on structural orientations. This makes the DTI a suitable tool to study the brain development. In this project, we will create a DTI database of developing human brains, which will be accessible through this website.
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