Neuroimaging: mania, revolution, or technological evolution? - A critical review

Imaging has become an increasingly important tool in both research and clinical care. A range of neuroimaging technologies provide unprecedented sensitivity to visualisation of brain structure (i.e. anatomy) and function (i.e. physiology) from the level of individual molecules to the whole brain. Many imaging methods are non-invasive and allow dynamic processes to be monitored over time. Imaging is enabling researchers to identify neural networks involved in cognitive processes; understand disease pathways; recognise and diagnose diseases early, when they are most effectively treated; and determine how therapies work. The cognitive neuroscience of higher order auditory processing has advanced enormously in a brief time, in large part benefiting from neuroimaging approaches. A significant amount of progress has been made, and much of it can be attributed to the possibilities for crossing boundaries afforded by neuroimaging tools. More sophisticated experiments combined with fMRI and EEG are helping to know what the brain is doing as people perform cognitive, emotional, and behavioural actions. MEG technology will allow linguists to explore how social interaction and sensorimotor experience affects the cortical processing of language in children; and the combination of behavioural and brain measures may enhance the certainty with which dyslexia can be predicted for a child and promote the possibility of preventive intervention.