All good questions Mike. You know what I know (and more). I wondered whether it was the case that, when neurotransmitters are released across the synapse, whether a few molecules of water went with it. If so, then these maps would actually have a functional aspect to them, not just (mostly irrelevant) plumbing. I'd like to think they wouldn't publish misleading technologies of the latter type (but I know all too well that they do).
Best, Chris ================= Mike Palij wrote: > On Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:01:39 -0400, Christopher D. Green wrote: > >> What if you use MRI to image water? Well, if the water is in someone's >> brain (and you set the thing up just right), you get the connectedness >> map of the brain. Cool stuff! >> See more here: >> http://www.mindhacks.com/blog/2008/07/connected_to_the_hig.html >> > > Very cool images. I've taken a look at the article that > is the source for this but I'm going to wait to spend some > time to give it a close reading. However, though I get > the general idea (these images represent the network > organization in the brain) it's not clear to me what the > significance is of such networks. The images represent > something like links or pipes that contain water but is > it water within the neurons, surrounding the neurons, > and/or the cerebral vascular system (i.e., the blood > vessels of the brain)? And how do they distinguish these > sources? > > Also, wouldn't it be more useful if one could map the paths > and intersections of neural electrical patterns (i.e., action > potential patterns) because single-cell and multiple-cell > recording studies show how the speific neurons or networks > appear to process specific types of information? I assume > that the technology for doing this doesn't exist yet but this > I understand a little better than tracking the path of water > or fluids in the brain. It seems like this is a more sophisticated > analysis of what a SPECT scan shows (i.e., regional blood flow > in contrast to specific paths or "pipes"). > > Clarifications would be appreciated. > > -Mike Palij > New York University > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > > > --- > To make changes to your subscription contact: > > Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) > --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
