This blog post gives an overview of the scientific network of researchers that are using the VASO (vascular space occupancy) for applications in layer-fMRI. I tried to give an overview of all layer-fMRI VASO papers published so far and provide a map of all layer-fMRI VASO labs around the globe.
Acknowledgements
This overview blog post is partly motivated as an education for grant reviewers that think that layer-fMRI is merely done by “one guy in one lab”.
Popularity of layer-fMRI VASO across years and countries
The first layer-fMRI VASO studies in humans were presented in 2014/2015. In the five years that followed, VASO became a credible contrast for the emerging field of layer-fMRI.

As of today (Jan 2020) there are 31 labs around the world that are using layer-fMRI VASO with 25 published layer-fMRI VASO papers in peer-reviewed journals
The vast majority of layer-fMRI VASO research is happening in Europe, followed by Asia. The higher 7T density in USA is not represented in a correspondingly many layer-fMRI VASO studies. This it might be due to the medical-application driven research funding environment.
Google map to browse interactively: https://layerfmri.page.link/VASO_worldwide (in case of missing sites, suggestions are welcome to layerfmri@gmail.com).
Thirty one current users of layer-dependent VASO fMRI
- Max Planck Institute CBS, Leipzig, Germany:
- Daniel Haenelt and Robert Trampel are using VASO (along with GE-BOLD and SE-BOLD) to investigate ocular dominance columns.

- This figure kindly provided by Daniel Haenelt and Robert Trampel
- Reference: ISMRM 2020, submitted
- Daniel Haenelt and Robert Trampel are using VASO (along with GE-BOLD and SE-BOLD) to investigate ocular dominance columns.
- SFIM, NIMH, NIH, Bethesda, USA:
- Yuhui Chai and Peter Bandettini are using VASO as a ground truth method to compare it with the VAPER contrast.

- This figure kindly provided by Yuhui Chai
- Reference: NeuroImage Paper
- Yuhui Chai and Peter Bandettini are using VASO as a ground truth method to compare it with the VAPER contrast.
- Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK:
- Marcello Venzi, Joseph Whittaker, and Kevin Murphy are using high-resolution VASO to investigate the effect of CSF and veins in superficial voxels vs. parenchyma voxels.

- This figure kindly provided by Marcello Venzi
- Reference: ISMRM abstract 2019
- Marcello Venzi, Joseph Whittaker, and Kevin Murphy are using high-resolution VASO to investigate the effect of CSF and veins in superficial voxels vs. parenchyma voxels.
- MBIC, Maastricht University, Netherlands:
- Renzo Huber and Benedikt Poser are working on sequence approaches to make layer-fMRI VASO easier applicable.

- Whole brain VASO acquisition for easy applicability in neuroscience studies.
- Reference: ISMRM abstract 2020, submitted
- Renzo Huber and Benedikt Poser are working on sequence approaches to make layer-fMRI VASO easier applicable.
- UC Berkeley, USA:
- Alex Beckett and David Feinberg are using VASO as a ‘gold standard’ to compare it to 3D-GRASE.
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- This figure is taken from the BioRxiv preprint
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- Reference: BioArchive Preprint.
- Alex Beckett and David Feinberg are using VASO as a ‘gold standard’ to compare it to 3D-GRASE.
- Spinoza/UMC, Utrecht/Amsterdam, Netherlands:
- Icaro Oliviera, Jorien Siero, and Wietske van der Zwaag are using VASO to investigate the linearity of the hemodynamic response at very high resolutions.

- Figure Taken from Icaro’s ISMRM talk
- Reference: ISMRM Benelux talk
- Icaro Oliviera, Jorien Siero, and Wietske van der Zwaag are using VASO to investigate the linearity of the hemodynamic response at very high resolutions.
- University of Sheffield: Sheffield, UK:
- Aneurin Kennerley is using layer-dependent VASO to validate it against iron-based contrast agent fMRI in rodents.

- Figure kindly provided by Aneurin Kennerley.
- Reference: ISMRM abstract 2017
- Aneurin Kennerley is using layer-dependent VASO to validate it against iron-based contrast agent fMRI in rodents.
- University of York, York, UK
- Aneurin Kennerley and Renzo Huber are working on layer-fMRI VASO to make it doable at 3T.

- Figure taken from Kennerley’s submitted ISMRM abstract (2020).
- Reference: ISMRM abstract 2020, submitted
- Aneurin Kennerley and Renzo Huber are working on layer-fMRI VASO to make it doable at 3T.
- Lab of Brain and Cognition, NIMH, NIH, Bethesda, USA
- Eli Merriam and Zvi Roth use sub-millimeter VASO to map the visual topography.

- This figure is kindly provided by Eli Merriam.
- Reference data shown here
- Eli Merriam and Zvi Roth use sub-millimeter VASO to map the visual topography.
- Martinos Center, MGH, Boston, USA:
- Saskia Bollmann and Jonathan Polimeni use sub-millimeter VASO to investigate the temporal features of CBV across depth.

- This figure is kindly provided by Saskia Bollmann.
- Reference data shown here
- Saskia Bollmann and Jonathan Polimeni use sub-millimeter VASO to investigate the temporal features of CBV across depth.
- University of Queensland, Australia:
- Atena Akbari and Markus Barth are investigating the layer-dependent fMRI response of VASO in V1.

- This figure is kindly provided by Atena Akbari.
- OHBM abstract 2019
- Atena Akbari and Markus Barth are investigating the layer-dependent fMRI response of VASO in V1.
- University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK:
- Nils Nothnagel, Andrew Morgan, and Jozien Goense implemented a 3D-EPI sequence for layer-dependent VASO imaging.
- The first layer-fMRI VASO experiments were conducted early 2019.
- SKKU, Suwon, South Korea:
- Insub Kim, Won Mok Shim, and Seong Gi Kim are using layer-dependent VASO for orientation decoding across cortical depth.

- This figure is kindly provided by Insub Kim.
- Reference data shown here
- Insub Kim, Won Mok Shim, and Seong Gi Kim are using layer-dependent VASO for orientation decoding across cortical depth.
- Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tuebingen, Germany:
- Jozien Goense used layer-dependent VASO in monkey visual cortex in areas of negative BOLD.

- This figure is taken from Goense’s Neuron paper.
- Data shown in Fig. 5 of this paper
- Jozien Goense used layer-dependent VASO in monkey visual cortex in areas of negative BOLD.
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK:
- Rosa Panchuelo and Susan Francis are using ultra-high resolution VASO in order to map the sensory system.
- The grant is described here
- National Institute of Mental Health:
- Andrew Persichetti, Jason Avery, and Alex Martin are using layer-fMRI VASO to investigate the intra-cortical processing of imagined and executed motor actions.

- This figure is kindly provided by Andrew Persichetti.
- SFN abstract 2019
- Andrew Persichetti, Jason Avery, and Alex Martin are using layer-fMRI VASO to investigate the intra-cortical processing of imagined and executed motor actions.
- CiNet, Osaka, Japan
- Ikuhiro Kida is using high-resolution VASO to investigate the neuro-vascular coupling features of fMRI.
- Sequence approved from SIEMENS in Feb 2019, ethical approval received in fall 2019.
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- University Magdeburg
- Esther Kuehn and Oliver Speck are piloting layer-fMRI VASO to investigate sensory-motor representations across cortical depth.

- Figure credits: Esther Kuehn
- Pilot study in June 2018
- Esther Kuehn and Oliver Speck are piloting layer-fMRI VASO to investigate sensory-motor representations across cortical depth.
- Christian Doppler Klinik, Salzburg
- Martin Kronbichler is investigating the usability of layer-dependent VASO at 3T.

- Figure credits: Martin Kronbichler
- Reference data shown here
- Martin Kronbichler is investigating the usability of layer-dependent VASO at 3T.
- NIPS, Okazaki, Japan
- Masaki Fukunaga is using layer-fMRI VASO in the sensory motor system, in the insual, and the visual cortex.

- Figure credits: Masaki Fukunaga
- Layer-fMRI VASO research agreement
- Masaki Fukunaga is using layer-fMRI VASO in the sensory motor system, in the insual, and the visual cortex.
- Okayama University Hospital, Japan
- Yinghua Yu is using layer-dependent VASO with predictive coding in the sensory system.

- This figure is kindly provided by Yinghua Yu
- Reference
- Yinghua Yu is using layer-dependent VASO with predictive coding in the sensory system.
- Max-Delbrueck-Zentrum, Berlin, Germany
- Henning Reiman and Jurjen Heij are investigating layer-dependent processing of pain.
- Layer-fMRI research agreement is approved by SIEMENS and first test are completed
- Zhejiang University, China
- Ruiliang Bai in the group of Anna Wang are using 7T VASO for high-resolution fMRI.
- Layer-fMRI research agreement is approved by SIEMENS
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
- Zihao Zhang and Peng Zhang are using layer-fMRI VASO in humans at 7T
- Layer-fMRI research agreement is approved by SIEMENS
- University of Cambridge, UK
- Bingjiang Lyu and Chris Roger are working on the implementation of layer-fMRI VASO for application in speech fMRI.
- Oxford Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain, UK
- James Kolasinsky and Olivia Viessmann acquired high-resolution VASO with SMS readout for application in the somatosensory system.
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
- Jun Hua developed a high-resolution 7T VASO sequence and is applying it with working memory tasks in dementia patients.

- This figure is taken from Hua’s MRM 2012 paper.
- Reference
- Jun Hua developed a high-resolution 7T VASO sequence and is applying it with working memory tasks in dementia patients.
- Uniklinik Freiburg, Germany.
- Burak Akin and Ali Özen are acquiring layer-fMRI VASO at 3T with micro-stip RF-coils.
- DZNE, Bonn, Germany:
- Ruediger Strinberg and Tony Stoecker implemented a VASO sequence with segmented 3D-EPI readout for SIEMENS VE systems.

- Data of this figure were acquired with Stirnberg’s sequence at the 7T Terra at NIH.
- Ruediger Strinberg and Tony Stoecker implemented a VASO sequence with segmented 3D-EPI readout for SIEMENS VE systems.
- NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
- Desmond Tse and Pål Erik Goa are ramping up a layer-fMRI VASO grant for application in aging population.
- Reference
Twenty five peer-reviewed journal papers showing data with layer-dependent VASO
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Donahue, Manus J. et al. 2006. “Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of the VASO Contrast Mechanism.” Magnetic Resonance in Medicine 56(6): 1261–73. https://doi.org/10.1002/mrm.21072.
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Jin, Tao, and Seong Gi Kim. 2006. “Spatial Dependence of CBV-FMRI: A Comparison between VASO and Contrast Agent Based Methods.” Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology – Proceedings (10): 25–28.
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Jin, Tao, and Seong Gi Kim. 2008. “Improved Cortical-Layer Specificity of Vascular Space Occupancy FMRI with Slab Inversion Relative to Spin-Echo BOLD at 9.4 T.” NeuroImage 40(1): 59–67.
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Goense, Jozien B M, Hellmut Merkle, and Nikos K. Logothetis. 2012. “High-Resolution FMRI Reveals Laminar Differences in Neurovascular Coupling between Positive and Negative BOLD Responses.” Neuron 76(3): 629–39. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2012.09.019 (January 17, 2014).
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Bandettini, Peter A. 2012. “The BOLD Plot Thickens: Sign- and Layer-Dependent Hemodynamic Changes with Activation.” Neuron 76(3): 468–69. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2012.10.026.
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Huber, Laurentius et al. 2014. “Slab-Selective, BOLD-Corrected VASO at 7 Tesla Provides Measures of Cerebral Blood Volume Reactivity with High Signal-to-Noise Ratio.” Magnetic Resonance in Medicine 72(1): 137–48. https://doi.org/10.1002/mrm.24916.
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Huber, Laurentius et al. 2014. “Investigation of the Neurovascular Coupling in Positive and Negative BOLD Responses in Human Brain at 7T.” NeuroImage 97: 349–62. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2014.04.022.
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Huber, Laurentius et al. 2015. “Cortical Lamina-Dependent Blood Volume Changes in Human Brain at 7T.” NeuroImage 107: 23–33. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2014.11.046.
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Guidi, Maria et al. 2016. “Lamina-Dependent Calibrated BOLD Response in Human Primary Motor Cortex.” NeuroImage 141: 250–61. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.06.030.
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Huber, Laurentius et al. 2016. “Functional Cerebral Blood Volume Mapping with Simultaneous Multi-Slice Acquisition.” NeuroImage 125: 1159–68.
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Donahue, Manus J., Meher R. Juttukonda, and Jennifer M. Watchmaker. 2017. “Noise Concerns and Post-Processing Procedures in Cerebral Blood Flow (CBF) and Cerebral Blood Volume (CBV) Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging.” NeuroImage 154: 43–58. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.09.007.
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Kazan, Samira M. et al. 2017. “Physiological Basis of Vascular Autocalibration (VasA): Comparison to Hypercapnia Calibration Methods.” Magnetic Resonance in Medicine 78(3): 1168–73.
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Huber, Laurentius et al. 2017. “High-Resolution CBV-FMRI Allows Mapping of Laminar Activity and Connectivity of Cortical Input and Output in Human M1.” Neuron 96(6): 1253-1263.e7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2017.11.005.
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Dumoulin, Serge O. 2017. “Layers of Neuroscience.” Neuron 96(6): 1205–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2017.12.004.
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Poser, Benedikt A, and Kawin Setsompop. 2018. “Pulse Sequences and Parallel Imaging for High Spatiotemporal Resolution MRI at Ultra-High Field.” NeuroImage 168: 101–18. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2017.04.006.
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Huber, Laurentius et al. 2018. “Techniques for Blood Volume FMRI with VASO: From Low-Resolution Mapping towards Sub-Millimeter Layer-Dependent Applications.” NeuroImage 164(November): 131–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.11.039.
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Huber, Laurentius et al. 2018. “Ultra-High Resolution Blood Volume FMRI and BOLD FMRI in Humans at 9.4T: Capabilities and Challenges.” NeuroImage 178(June): 769–79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2018.06.025.
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Finn, Emily S et al. 2019. “Layer-Dependent Activity in Human Prefrontal Cortex during Working Memory.” Nature Neuroscience 22: 1687–1695. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41593-019-0487-z.
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Chai, Yuhui et al. 2019. “Integrated VASO and Perfusion Contrast: A New Tool for Laminar Functional MRI.” NeuroImage: 116358. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.116358.
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Huber, Laurentius, Kâmil Uludağ, and Harald E. Möller. 2019. “Non-BOLD Contrast for Laminar FMRI in Humans: CBF, CBV, and CMRO2.” NeuroImage (July): 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2017.07.041.
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Persichetti, Andrew Steven et al. 2020. “Current Biology Layer-Specific Contributions to Imagined and Executed Hand Movements in Human Primary Motor Cortex.” Current Biology: preprint re-submitted. https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3482808.
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Beckett, Alexander et al. 2019. “Comparison of BOLD and CBV Using 3D EPI and 3D GRASE for Cortical Layer FMRI at 7T .” bioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/778142
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Yu, Yinghua et al. 2019. “Layer-Specific Activation of Sensory Input and Predictive Feedback in the Human Primary Somatosensory Cortex.” Science Advances 5(5): eaav9053. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aav9053.
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Yang, Jiajia, and Yinghua Yu. 2019. “超高磁場・高精細レイヤー FMRI 技術による ヒト大脳皮質の層別活動の可視化.” Medical Science Digest 45(418): 418–21. http://hokuryukan-ns.co.jp/cms/books/medical-science-digest 2019年 6月臨時増刊号/.
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Huber, Laurentius et al. 2020. “Sub-Millimeter FMRI Reveals Multiple Topographical Digit Representations That Form Action Maps in Human Motor Cortex.” NeuroImage 208: 116463. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/457002v2.