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Searching for a baseline: functional imaging and the resting human brain
D A Gusnard1, M E Raichle, M E Raichle
1The Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
Nature Reviews. Neuroscience
|October 5, 2001
Summary
Functional brain imaging reveals task-independent decreases in brain activity, suggesting a distinct resting brain state. This research explores defining this baseline and its implications for understanding brain function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Functional brain imaging studies often show task-specific increases in brain activity.
- Simultaneously, task-independent decreases in brain activity are frequently observed, particularly when compared to passive states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the possibility of a baseline or resting state of brain function.
- To explore methods for defining such a baseline.
- To understand the implications of a resting brain state for overall brain function.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of functional brain imaging data from human studies.
- Comparison of brain activity during specific tasks versus passive states (e.g., fixation, eyes closed).
Main Results:
- Observed frequent, task-independent decreases in brain activity during passive states.
- These decreases suggest a distinct pattern of neural operations during rest.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the existence of a baseline or resting state of brain function.
- Further research is needed to define this state and its role in cognition.