Research at the Center

Functional Neuroimaging

Neuroeconomics research at Duke benefits from the presence of two research-dedicated MRI scanners at the Brain Imaging and Analysis Center (BIAC) in Duke University Medical Center. The two GE scanners operate at field strengths of 3.0 and 4.0 Tesla. The newly installed 3T scanner allows the use of multichannel image acquisition, while the high-field 4T scanner provides improved signal to noise over lower-field machines. The scanners are fully equipped for cognitive neuroscience experimentation with MR-compatible video goggles, joysticks, and physiological monitoring equipment, along with a wide array of experimental presentation software. Because these machines are dedicated for brain research, our researchers and their students can self-schedule experiments (using a web-based interface) during normal working hours. Certified MR Technologists are on staff for running research subjects. Duke also has an active fMRI user community that provides many opportunities, both formal and informal, for new investigators to learn fMRI methods. Graduate and undergraduate courses in fMRI are taught at BIAC, and many faculty and postdoctoral fellows audit the graduate course. Regular invited speakers visit Duke to discuss the latest advances in fMRI methods or theory, and neuroimaging research is frequently presented within talk series at BIAC, CCN, and Psychology.