Systemic physiological "noise" in fMRI has clinical relevance.

ABSTRACT: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is central to studying neurobiological mechanisms, yet fMRI has limited clinical utility, highlighting the need for novel approaches. We show that a component of the fMRI signal-the systemic low-frequency oscillation (sLFO), linked to blood flow and physiological measures of arousal-indexes trait- and state-level drug use phenotypes. In individuals who chronically use nicotine, sLFO amplitude increased during abstinence and correlated with heightened dependence severity and cue-induced craving. In healthy participants, acute methylphenidate-but not nicotine-reduced sLFO amplitude in a manner that corresponded with improved behavioral performance. These findings demonstrate that the sLFO, typically treated as noise, carries biologically meaningfu

SUBMITTER: Welsh JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12407617 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature