Using human neuroimaging, especially functional magnetic resonance
imaging (fMRI), Dr. Hariri and his colleagues have begun to identify
how variability in brain function contributes to individual
differences in complex behavioral traits. In parallel, they have
combined fMRI with drug challenge studies and positron emission
tomography (PET) to identify how variability in brain chemistry
influences individual differences in brain function. Against this
background, Dr. Hariri and his team use molecular genetics to
understand the origins of variability in brain chemistry as well as to
efficiently model how such emergent variability impacts behaviorally
relevant brain function. Through the integration of complementary
technologies Dr. Hariri’s research has begun to illuminate the
neurobiological mechanisms mediating individual differences in complex
behavioral traits. This work represents a critical foundation for the
identification of predictive risk markers that interact with unique
environmental factors to precipitate neuropsychiatric disorders as
well as for the development of more effective and individually
tailored treatments for these same disorders.
