Dynamic Neuroimaging Laboratory
Gregory V. Simpson, PhD, Director, 415/502-6522

The laboratory integrates multi-modality functional imaging and computational modeling to study the brain systems underlying perceptual and cognitive function in health and disease. Our current research focus is on perception, attention and working memory; and changes in elderly and clinical populations. The laboratory employs high- density (128-channel) electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and computational modeling. Data from these complementary non-invasive techniques are integrated to gain deeper insight into the brain networks and temporal processes under study. The laboratory consequently devotes extensive effort on developing and refining tools for EEG/MEG brain source localization, "multimodal" imaging coregistration and analysis, and integration of human data with animal models. We are also developing novel techniques for analyzing the complex spatiotemporal dynamics measured with scalp EEG and MEG. These techniques are being applied clinically to the detection and monitoring of acute stroke pathophysiology. In addition, we are involved in multi-site computational and neuroinformatics projects, including the development of computational models of the spatial and temporal patterns of activity in large scale neural networks; and development of a probabilistic atlas of human brain anatomy and function. Our new research directions include the integration of diffusion weighted imaging, B0 current imaging with EEG source imaging, and simultaneous EEG/fMRI measures. We have collaborations with a number of centers outside UCSF that provide resources in the form of software and expertise for multi-modal neuroimaging.
More from the Dynamic Neuroimaging Laboratory site.

See also the article: "Imaging Brain Dynamics".

Research Directions:

• Multimodal neuroimaging: integrating electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to study:
  1. Perception, attention and working memory
  2. Clinical populations with disorders of attention and working memory (e.g. aging, dementia, schizophrenia).
• Innovative analyses of large-scale spatial-temporal cortical networks underlying cognition.
• Animal studies of the neurophysiological bases of EEG/MEG and fMRI.
• Brain-Machine Interface and neurofeedback with EEG/MEG.
• Development of methods for EEG/MEG brain source imaging.
• Development of methods for simultaneous EEG and fMRI measurement.
• Neuroinformatics: creation of a probabilistic atlas of human brain anatomy and function.

Recent Key References:

Caplan JB, Luks TL, Simpson GV, Glaholt M, McIntosh AR. Parallel networks operating across attentional deployment and motion processing: a multi-seed partial least squares fMRI study. Neuroimage. 2006 Feb 15;29(4):1192-202.

Simpson GV, Dale CL, Luks TL, Miller WL, Ritter W, Foxe JJ. Rapid targeting followed by sustained deployment of visual spatial attention. Neuroreport. 2006 Oct 23;17(15):1595-1599.

Vinogradov S, Luks TL, Simpson GV, Schulman BJ, Glenn S, Wong AE. Brain activation patterns during memory of cognitive agency. Neuroimage. 2006 Jun;31(2):896-905.