fMRI

Many years ago scientists did not have the technology that they have available to them today. They were able to make predictions and conduct experiments but they were never able to actually see inside the brain. Fortunately, we have that technology today. There are many ways to see inside the brain and its functioning. The method which I found the most interesting is using the fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging). With a regular MRI, a magnetic field is used to align spinning atoms of brain molecules, then a radio-wave pulse disorients them momentarily which reveals a detailed picture of the brains structure. With an fMRI, one can see the functioning of the brain. This occurs by comparing pictures of the brain less than seconds apart and watching where the blood flows. For example, if someone was speaking, you would then see blood rush towards the front of the brain because that is where the speaking is controlled. With this method scientists can conveniently see which parts of the brain control certain actions or senses, and it helps them learn how the brain functions.