Resting-state networks in the infant brain.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Brain Imaging

Background:

• Spontaneous, intrinsic brain activity forms systemwide, resting-state networks in adults.
• The developmental trajectory of these resting-state networks in the human brain is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map resting-state brain activity patterns in infants during sleep.
• To investigate the early emergence of resting-state networks in the developing human brain.

Main Methods:

• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was employed to observe brain activity.
• Resting-state fMRI data were acquired from sleeping infants.

Main Results:

• Five distinct resting-state networks were identified in the infant brain.
• These networks included primary visual cortex, sensorimotor areas, auditory cortex, a precuneus/parietal/cerebellum network, and an anterior prefrontal network.

Conclusions:

• Resting-state networks, driven by spontaneous signal fluctuations, are present from infancy.
• The findings suggest early development of functional brain networks and their potential link to emerging behaviors.