Feindel Brain and Mind Lecture Series: Linking microscopy-derived microstructure to MRI signals throughout the macaque brain

The Feindel Virtual Brain and Mind Seminar presents: "Linking microscopy-derived microstructure to MRI signals throughout the macaque brain"

Amy Howard, Postdoctoral researcher, Diffusion MRI, University of Oxford, UK

Abstract: Understanding brain structure and function often requires combining data across different modalities and scales to link microscale cellular structures to macroscale features of whole brain organisation. Here we introduce the BigMac dataset, a resource combining in vivo MRI, extensive postmortem MRI and multi-contrast microscopy for multimodal characterisation of a single whole macaque brain. The data spans modalities (MRI and microscopy), tissue states (in vivo and postmortem), and four orders of spatial magnitude, from microscopy images with micrometre or sub-micrometre resolution, to MRI signals on the order of millimetres. Crucially, the MRI and microscopy images are carefully co-registered together to facilitate quantitative multimodal analyses. In this talk I will detail the acquisition, curation, and first release of the data, that together make BigMac a unique, openly-disseminated resource available to researchers worldwide. Further, I will demonstrate example analyses and opportunities afforded by the data, including improvement of connectivity estimates from ultra-high angular resolution diffusion MRI, neuroanatomical insight provided by polarised light imaging and myelin-stained histology, and the joint analysis of MRI and microscopy data for reconstruction of the microscopy-inspired connectome.

Bio: Amy Howard is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, where she also completed her PhD. Amy’s research considers different ways in which we can combine complementary data from both microscopy and diffusion MRI, to both validate and drive biophysical modelling of the brain tissue microstructure.

The Feindel Virtual Brain and Mind (VBM) Seminar Series will advance the vision of Dr. William Feindel (1918–2014), Former Director of the Neuro (1972–1984), to constantly bridge the clinical and research realms. The talks will highlight the latest advances and discoveries in neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience, and neuroimaging.

Speakers will include scientists from across The Neuro, as well as colleagues and collaborators locally and from around the world. The series is intended to provide a virtual forum for scientists and trainees to continue to foster interdisciplinary exchanges on the mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment of brain and cognitive disorders.

To watch via Vimeo, click here.