Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a non-invasive neuroimaging technique that indirectly measures brain activity. The subject is placed inside the resonance scanner where he or she must observe stimuli or perform tasks. The machine detects changes in blood oxygenation levels (BOLD signal) associated with neural activity. When brain regions are activated, they require increased oxygenated blood flow, which fMRI can measure. By identifying these regions, researchers can infer the neural correlates of various cognitive functions.

fMRI scanner illustration

Let's take an example, in 2015 the group of Di Cesare and colleagues hypothesized that the dorso-central insula is involved in the encoding of vitality forms.

Brain scan

If you want to read more about this topic, click here ---- Article PDF

References
Di Cesare, G., Di Dio, C., Marchi, M., & Rizzolatti, G. (2015). Expressing our internal states and understanding those of others. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112(33), 10331-10335.