Researchers at MIT’s McGovern Institute have reevaluated a previously reported breakthrough in brain imaging technology. Initially, the method, named DIANA (direct imaging of neuronal activity), was believed to directly detect neural activity via MRI, generating excitement among neuroscientists for its potential to revolutionize understanding of brain functions. However, a recent study led by associate investigator Alan Jasanoff found that the signals detected by DIANA were largely a byproduct of the imaging process itself, not actual neuronal activity.
Traditional functional MRI techniques monitor brain activity indirectly through blood flow changes, which only approximate the areas of brain engagement. The DIANA method promised a faster, more precise detection of neuron activity. However, upon further examination, the MIT team discovered inconsistencies. When testing the DIANA method, postdoctoral researcher Valerie Doan Phi Van observed MRI signals in response to stimuli but later found similar signals even when no stimuli were present or when a non-biological object was scanned.
This discrepancy led the researchers to investigate further, uncovering that the MRI signals were artifacts created by the imaging process, specifically tied to the timing of the sensory stimulus in the MRI procedure. Adjustments to the imaging protocol confirmed that the supposed neural activity signals disappeared when the stimulus trigger was removed, indicating they were not genuine markers of brain activity.
The findings of Jasanoff and his team underline the importance of rigorous testing and validation in the development of new neuroimaging techniques. They emphasize the need for caution and thorough evaluation in scientific research to avoid misinterpretation of data, especially in the pursuit of innovative methods like DIANA that aim to advance the field of neuroscience.