October 12, 2007 - Scientists at Oxford University have released the latest version of their FSL software, which reportedly allows clinicians and researchers to analyze images of the brain, providing insights and improved treatment of conditions including schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and Parkinson’s.
The software uses multiple functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FMRI) ‘snapshots’ to track brain activation, produce high-resolution images of brain structure in fine detail and map the brain’s connectivity patterns. Other tools allow the modeling of white-matter brain tissue and can be used to track changes in brain connectivity. These tools have already been used to learn more about bipolar disorder and other diseases.
Earlier versions of FSL, developed at Oxford’s FMRIB Centre, have been used for applications ranging from mapping the effects of smoking on different parts of the brain to showing the response of multiple sclerosis patients to a new therapy.
For more information: www.isis-innovation.com