one step further, introducing the dimension of time. Functional imaging enables scientists to observe activity in the brain of a person who is carrying out a cognitive task, such as looking at a work of art, hearing, thinking, or remembering. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) works by detecting changes in the concentration of oxygen in red blood cells. When an area of the brain becomes more active, it consumes more oxygen; to meet the demand for more oxygen, blood flow to the area increases. Thus, scientists can use fMRI to create maps showing which parts of the brain are active
...more
