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The Human Connectome Project: a data acquisition perspective
D C Van Essen1, K Ugurbil, E Auerbach
1Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA. vanessen@wustl.edu
Neuroimage
|February 28, 2012
Summary
The Human Connectome Project (HCP) maps brain connectivity in healthy adults using advanced imaging like MRI and MEG/EEG. Data acquisition focuses on optimizing quality with new scanners and sequences for comprehensive brain analysis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Brain Imaging
- Human Connectomics
Background:
- The Human Connectome Project (HCP) aims to map brain connectivity and function in healthy adults.
- Understanding individual differences in brain structure and function is crucial for neuroscience research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the data acquisition plans for the Human Connectome Project.
- To detail the methodologies for studying brain connectivity and function in a large cohort.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing multiple imaging modalities: diffusion MRI (dMRI), resting-state fMRI (R-fMRI), task-evoked fMRI (T-fMRI), structural MRI (T1/T2), and combined MEG/EEG.
- Acquiring extensive behavioral and genetic data from 1200 subjects (twins and siblings).
- Implementing optimized data acquisition protocols, including advanced MRI scanners (7T and 3T) and pulse sequences.
Main Results:
- The HCP employs a comprehensive suite of neuroimaging techniques to capture brain structure, function, and connectivity.
- Phase I focused on refining and optimizing data acquisition for high-quality data collection.
- The project integrates multimodal imaging with behavioral and genetic data for a holistic view of brain variability.
Conclusions:
- The Human Connectome Project is establishing a robust framework for studying brain connectivity and function.
- Optimization of data acquisition is key to achieving high-quality, reliable neuroimaging data.
- The project's findings will advance our understanding of brain variability in healthy adults.
