A database of age-appropriate average MRI templates

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Radiology

Background:

• Studies on neurostructural and neurofunctional development are limited by the absence of age-appropriate MRI reference volumes.
• Existing reference data can lead to inaccuracies in data segmentation, registration, and stereotaxic analysis.
• A standardized, age-specific neuroimaging database is crucial for advancing developmental neuroscience research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a comprehensive, life-span neurodevelopmental MRI database.
• To provide age-specific average MRI templates and stereotaxic atlases.
• To facilitate accurate analysis of brain development and aging across the lifespan.

Main Methods:

• Compilation of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) database spanning from 2 weeks to 89 years of age.
• Generation of age-specific average MRI templates at fine-grained intervals (e.g., 3-month, 6-month, and 5-year increments).
• Inclusion of segmented partial volume estimates and a common stereotaxic atlas for diverse age groups.

Main Results:

• The Neurodevelopmental MRI Database provides age-specific reference data crucial for neuroimaging research.
• The database includes average MRI templates, segmented priors, and a unified stereotaxic atlas.
• This resource offers detailed neuroanatomical information across a wide age range.

Conclusions:

• The Neurodevelopmental MRI Database addresses the critical need for age-appropriate reference data in neuroimaging.
• This resource is expected to enhance the accuracy and reliability of studies on neurodevelopment and aging.
• The database is publicly accessible online, promoting wider research collaboration and data sharing.