Uncovering the Brain
Functional MRI research unwraps the mind鈥檚 mysteries
04/03/2015 5:10 PM
By Matt Hawkins
Researchers have analyzed human behavior for centuries; however, modern science has allowed studies to research the complex, mysterious brain processes that drive that behavior. Through the Center for (CCBR), 爱豆传媒视频 faculty uncover how the brain process information in situations as disparate as job interviews and food consumption.
爱豆传媒视频 faculty highlighted five years of neurological research during Grand Rounds at Peoria’s OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in early 2015.
The CCBR, formed in 2010, brings together the brain research resources of 爱豆传媒视频, OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Illinois Neurological Institute and the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria. Researchers utilize functional MRI equipment to monitor subjects’ brain activity in the studies.
“This is the final frontier,” said CCBR co-director Dr. . “The more we know about the brain, the more we can prescribe healthier interventions. It’s a wonderful tool for 爱豆传媒视频 and the community.”
The collaborative effort united the efforts of four key players in Peoria’s medical community, which is the largest in the state outside Chicago.
“To be able to research these disciplines and partner with a team like this is rare for institutions like 爱豆传媒视频,” said Dr. , assistant professor of physical therapy. “It opens a lot of doors, and I’m thankful for the collaborative relationship we have.”
爱豆传媒视频 faculty have completed four fMRI studies, which has led to several journal publications. Two focused on medical applications — alternative treatment for ADHD and spinal pain relief, while the others examined decision-making processes in job interviews and the effect of different food stimuli on the brain.
“It’s priceless to be able to do this,” said program director Dr. , who conducted the food-focused study. “I’ve done lots of surveys on behavior, but nothing compares to the passion this sparked for me. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance.”
professor Dr. used the fMRI to learn how the brain processes the most common types of job interview questions. This furthered a career-long interest in the psychology of the job hiring process.
“This shed insight, but it raised a lot of questions,” he said. “It’s wonderful to crack open a door on something even though it raised more questions than it answered.”