Using fNIRS to study infants and babies brain – exploring a Brite mind
In the first years of life, the brain shows fastest and most significant growth. This time period is also crucial for discovering the onset of cognitive deficits and several neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism. Hence, proper brain development in infants builds the foundation for a successful and healthy future as adult.
Infant brain research can be used to investigate cognitive, social and linguistic development. It provides a basis to understand the role of the brain in different important processes, including for instance: Early social interaction with parents and other infants, behavioral patterns, social disability disorders and the learning of languages. Findings gained through infant research can help to form early diagnosis, even before visual and behavioral recognition of cognitive deficits and disorders. Therefore, infant research can lead to early, improved and targeted treatment. Overall, it positively influences babies’ development and future.
Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) is an optimal brain imaging technique applicable for studying infant brain functioning by using brain oxygenation changes. fNIRS enables researchers to measure baby brain activation non-invasively and, crucially, without requiring the infant to verbally answer questions. Besides, fNIRS provides low sensitivity to movement, minimizing artifacts in data, and high temporal and spatial resolution, allowing localization of activity in specific brain regions.
