“Spontaneous neural activity: Physiology and significance”

Hosted by the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology (MIR) 

Dr. Snyder received an AB degree from Columbia University in 1970 and PhD in biophysics from Rockefeller University in 1977. He studied medicine at the State University of New York at Buffalo and, after internship, completed a residency in Neurology at Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Snyder joined the neuroimaging laboratory (NIL) headed by Dr. Marcus Raichle in 1986 and began by examining the electrophysiological correlates of task-based “activation” paradigms currently being studied with O15-water positron emission tomography (PET). The NIL began fMRI experiments in 1995 at which time there was no downloadable analysis software, e.g., fsl, spm, or AFNI. This led to the genesis of the 4dfp suite of analysis tools which currently is in use throughout the NIL and elsewhere. Dr. Snyder’s current primary interest is resting state fMRI, i.e., analysis of spontaneous neural activity as manifested in the blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal. That is the topic of today’s lecture.

For inquiries contact Margaret Morton.