Toward Coordinate-based Cognition Dictionaries: A BrainMap and Neurosynth Demo

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Neuroimaging
• Brain Mapping

Background:

• Characterizing brain region function is a core challenge in cognitive neuroscience.
• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) maps neural networks, but complex structure-function relationships complicate task design for higher-order cognition.
• Brain-behavior associations and group comparisons are common but often yield general interpretations of regional brain function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the utility of neuroimaging databases (BrainMap, Neurosynth) for interpreting functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) results.
• To highlight the potential of these databases as a
• coordinate-based cognition dictionary
• for understanding brain-behavior relationships.
• To encourage wider adoption of these databases in neuroimaging research.

Main Methods:

• Utilized two case studies: a brain-intelligence correlation and a depression-control meta-study.
• Leveraged the BrainMap and Neurosynth online databases, which aggregate coordinates from task-based fMRI (tb-fMRI) studies.
• Explored the databases for activation data linked to cognitive domains, functions, paradigms, and publications.

Main Results:

• Neuroimaging databases provide extensive tb-fMRI activation data, including cognitive domains, functions, and paradigms.
• These databases function as a valuable resource for detailed interpretation of brain activity.
• Surprisingly, less than 1% of brain-behavior association or group comparison studies currently utilize this database approach.

Conclusions:

• Neuroimaging databases offer a powerful tool for specific and comprehensive interpretation of fMRI findings.
• These databases can guide the design of future task-based fMRI experiments.
• Increased utilization of these resources by the research community is encouraged for advancing cognitive neuroscience.