Neurosalience #S5E7 with Seiji Ogawa - The discoverer of the BOLD contrast and fMRI

Join Peter Bandettini as he sits down with Seiji Ogawa, the visionary scientist behind the discovery of BOLD (blood oxygenation level-dependent) contrast fMRI. In this insightful conversation, Dr. Ogawa reflects on his groundbreaking work, the evolution of neuroimaging, and the challenges of translating fMRI into clinical practice. 1. Ogawa’s Early Journey – From Stanford to Bell Labs, and the influences that shaped his career. 2. The Discovery of BOLD fMRI – How experiments with hemoglobin oxygenation laid the foundation for modern neuroimaging. 3. Impact on Neuroscience – Why fMRI became a cornerstone in understanding brain function. 4. Challenges in Clinical Translation – Variability and reliability in single-subject analyses. 5. Scientific Reflections – Ogawa’s thoughts on curiosity, persistence, and the art of discovery. 6. Future Directions – Exploring brain interactions, neurovascular coupling, and innovations in imaging techniques. Notable Quotes: “If you can look into your brain without opening your skull… that’s a great thing.” “The important thing is to know what is important.” “Many phenomena don’t last long, but fMRI has proven to be enduringly significant.” Seiji Ogawa’s contributions have left an indelible mark on neuroscience, inspiring researchers worldwide. Don’t miss this fascinating exploration of his life, work, and ongoing curiosity about the mysteries of the human brain. Episode Producers Omer Faruk Gulban Nagashree Thovinakere