Scan Once, Analyse Many: Using Large Open-Access Neuroimaging Datasets to Understand the Brain

Neuroinformatics. 2022 Jan;20(1):109-137. doi: 10.1007/s12021-021-09519-6. Epub 2021 May 11.

Abstract

We are now in a time of readily available brain imaging data. Not only are researchers now sharing data more than ever before, but additionally large-scale data collecting initiatives are underway with the vision that many future researchers will use the data for secondary analyses. Here I provide an overview of available datasets and some example use cases. Example use cases include examining individual differences, more robust findings, reproducibility-both in public input data and availability as a replication sample, and methods development. I further discuss a variety of considerations associated with using existing data and the opportunities associated with large datasets. Suggestions for further readings on general neuroimaging and topic-specific discussions are also provided.

Keywords: Brain imaging; Connectome; Functional connectivity; Naturalistic neuroimaging; Sample size; Secondary data; fMRI.

MeSH terms

  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Connectome* / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Neuroimaging / methods
  • Reproducibility of Results