A neural stain that shows the cell bodies in a particular region. This works by targeting RNA in cell bodies. These are good for measuring cell density and the size of cell bodies. 

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- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- Golgi stain
- Nissl stain
- Optogenetics
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Methods of Brain Mapping

Breedlove, S. & Watson, N. (2017). Behavioral neuroscience, eighth edition. Oxford University Press.

Behavioral Neuroscience 8th Edition

Nissl Stain

These types of stains show neurons in detail, revealing dendrites and axons. These are good for showing types and shapes of different neurons. 

Golgi Stain

A documentation of spontaneous gross electrical activity of the brain recorded by placing electrodes on the scalp. The measured electrical activity is not prompted by particular stimuli, and may also be referred to as "brain waves."  

Electroencephalogram (EEG) 

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is an effective tool for analyzing brain functionality. It is capable of tracking the functional response of the brain through Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) contrast. Increased neuronal activity leads to local increase in energy and oxygen consumption. Essentially, the BOLD effect is a contrast caused by the relative decrease in the magnetic field irregularities due to relative increase in the oxyHb level contributed by the blood flowing in the brain region with increased activity.

Functional MRI

A genetic approach to control the activity of specific neurons by light. Optogenetics generally makes use of the selective expression of opsins, proteins that respond to certain types of light.

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