Annotated Bibliography: Brain Mapping

I am working on researching a longer post on brain mapping. I hope to provide a variety of information from various sources in order to present the benefits of brain mapping, the findings it can bring about, and possible treatments as a result of these findings. This is an annotated bibliography of some of the sources I have come across in my brain mapping research. Because of the limited success during the Human Genome Project, the effectiveness of brain mapping has been seen as controversial. Humphries argues that like the Human Genome Project, it is possible that brain mapping could too end up being a waste of time and money, therefore maybe it should not be pursued. Although, we have far more to gain than to lose through brain mapping research.


"The Benefits of Brain Mapping." Nature 499.7458 (2013): 253. Print.

The author claims that any significant progress in discovering “how the brain works” can only be done through advance techniques such as brain mapping. The most important evidence presented in this article is that “connecting the dots” between nuerons and their functions through brain mapping can aid in discovering what makes us individuals, as well as the cause of certain disorders. This article is relevant to my topic because it clearly defines the technique of brain mapping and its importance. If researchers are successful in their use of brain mapping, it could lead to development of more effective psychiatric disorder treatments.

Baillet, Sylvain. "Electromagnetic Brain Mapping." IEEE Signal Processing Magazine Nov. 2001: 14-30. Print.

The author claims that electromagnetic imaging techniques, such as brain mapping, are some of the most effective tools in studying the brain. The most important evidence presented in this article is the different types of electromagnetic imaging technologies. For example, one of the most common electromagnetic imaging techniques is electroencephalography (EEG). EEG provides a glimpse of electrical activity occurring within the brain. This article is relevant to my topic because it provides information about the specific technologies involved in brain mapping.

"Mapping the Brain-mapping Project." 26.11 (2013): 786. Print.

The author focuses on the central initiative of Barrack Obama`s brain mapping project, also known as the “BRAIN Initiative.” The most important evidence presented in this article is a statement by one of project`s researchers, in which he believes that brain mapping will substantially “increase our understanding” in the role nuerons within the brain play in human functioning. According to the author, our behavior is controlled by neural activity. This article is relevant to my topic because it provides insight to a specific and current brain mapping research project.

Humphries, Courtney. "Brain Mapping." Technology review May 2014: 62-5. ProQuest. Web. 2 Feb. 2015.

The author claims that recent progress in brain mapping technology will lead to some of the most advanced understanding of brain function to date. The most important evidence presented in this article is the recent attempts in brain mapping made by Europe`s Human Brain Project. Europe`s Human Brain Project hopes to create an intricate, coherent map of the structure of the brain. This article is relevant to my topic because, like the BRAIN Initiative and Human Genome Project, it provides insight to a specific and current brain mapping research project. Although, it is interesting to see how the research varies in Europe versus America.


Friston, Karl J. "Modules and Brain Mapping." Cognitive Nueropsychology 1 June 2011: 241-250. Print.
The author claims that brain mapping is key in establishing an accurate organization of the brain so we can further understand its functioning. The most important evidence presented in this article is how brain mapping “plays a crucial role” in viewing the brain`s reaction to presented stimuli. Figuring out which stimuli trigger certain areas of the brain brings researchers closer to new discoveries in the role the brain plays in behavior. This article is relevant to my topic because it supports both my view and the view of the author from Nature in regards to the vital importance of brain mapping.