Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a non-invasive brain imaging technique that plays an important role in understanding the role of metabolites and neurotransmitters in cognition and clinical conditions. Unlike functional imaging, obtaining MRS data requires first selecting a region specific to the study, which can then be identified on the anatomical images of the brain. In her project “Reliability of Voxel Placement Methods for Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy”, Harleen Chhabra (A06) wants to find out more about how these regions can be selected precisely and specifically. She describes the project as follows:

Single-voxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a non-invasive technique that measures cognitively and clinically relevant metabolites and neurotransmitters. Unlike magnetic resonance imaging, MRS needs an a priori region definition for data acquisition and single voxel spectroscopy provides high-quality spectra. Therefore, precise selection of the MRS voxel is crucial to ensure accurate and reliable results across multiple study sessions and participants. In the current study, we will use three methods for voxel placement, the conventional anatomy landmark-based method, the functionally localized region method, and individualised atlas-based brain parcellation method. The regions of interest will be the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (relevant for fear extinction studies) and the parietal cortex as a control region. γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamine/glutamate (Glx) spectra during the resting state will be collected from the healthy volunteers. Spectra data will be collected twice for test-retest accuracy and reliability. The spatial overlap of the MRS voxels within the participants across the multiple sessions, between the three voxel placement methods, and between the participants will be examined. Additionally, spectral analysis will be done to report the results of data quality. The result will inform about the best method for voxel placement within the ventromedial prefrontal and parietal cortex and will guide future MRS studies in choosing the appropriate methodology to report accurate and reliable results.

The SFB 1280 has set up a budget for its young scientists to realize their own research ideas. We use the “treasure chest” to finance convincing and independent study concepts of our early career researchers.