Fifty Years of Magnetoencephalography celebrates the first half century of research in and clinical applications of magnetoencephalography (MEG). It catalogs and documents its evolution as a means of imaging the ongoing activity of the brain and the activation of particular neuronal networks within it that mediate sensory motor and higher functions like language. The volume's first section looks at the discovery of MEG and its first tentative applications by three of its founders. The following sections detail the rapid progress in the development of the instrumentation necessary for recording noninvasively the magnetic signals on the head that are associated with the brain activity; improvements in the techniques for analyzing the magnetic signals and reconstructing, on their basis, the functional images of brain activity; and improvements in our understanding of the nature and significance of those signals. Subsequent sections of the book detail the main clinical applications of MEG in localizing brain areas that contain sources of epileptiform activity and areas encompassing parts of functional networks essential for motor and sensory function as well as for language that have become an essential part of planning for brain surgery in many epilepsy and tumor surgery centers around the world. In addition, several chapters describe the most current efforts aiming at expanding the utility of MEG in clinical diagnosis and theoretical research.

Recent years have seen an explosion of activity in the field of biomedical imaging in an attempt to understand the behavior of the brain in healthy and disease states. With the emergence of genetically manipulated laboratory mice and the knowledge of the mouse genome, we are entering an exciting new era with revolutionary tools for experimental research. Noninvasive imaging techniques capable of providing both anatomical and functional descriptions of the brain have become essential. Among the various imaging methodologies, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) stands in the forefront by virtue of its contrast versatility and pathophysiological specificity.

Emphasizing the relationship between physiological microenvironment and macroscopic imaging signal changes, Biomedical Imaging in Experimental Neuroscience presents a comprehensive review of the noninvasive biomedical imaging techniques available for laboratory animal research. Focusing on MRI, but recognizing the multiple forms of imaging information, this book outlines the scope and limitations of these methods and analyzes their impact on in vivo neuroscience research. The book is intended for the biologist who may not have a background in the physical sciences. This applied guide also provides a concise theoretical description of the pertinent physics.

Noninvasive imaging offers the obvious benefits of reducing sample sizes and identifying new and unanticipated behaviors. Biomedical Imaging in Experimental Neuroscience presents detailed information for biologists interested in how biomedical imaging may augment their in vivo research and for clinical practitioners seeking deeper insights into the association between imaging findings and disease pathophysiology.