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Abstract
Neuroimaging is a new technique used to create images of the structure and function of the
nervous system in the human brain. Currently, it is crucial in scientifc felds. Neuroimaging data
are becoming of more interest among the circle of neuroimaging experts. Therefore, it is necessary
to develop a large amount of neuroimaging tools. This paper gives an overview of the tools that have
been used to image the structure and function of the nervous system. This information can help
developers, experts, and users gain insight and a better understanding of the neuroimaging tools
available, enabling better decision making in choosing tools of particular research interest. Sources,
links, and descriptions of the application of each tool are provided in this paper as well. Lastly, this
paper presents the language implemented, system requirements, strengths, and weaknesses of the
tools that have been widely used to image the structure and function of the nervous system.
Keywords: neuroimaging, nervous system, bioinformatics, image analysis, medical imaging
Introduction
Recently, the feld of neuroimaging has
been gaining increasing attention among
scientists. Neuroimaging was developed (and
grew increasingly as a feld) to allow experts
to investigate differential involvement of both
normal and abnormal parts of the brain in humans.
In the past, there was considerable restriction
on exploring neurophysiological structure and
function associated with psychological processes.
This is because those studies and experiments
could only be done in animal models, post-mortem
examinations, electrophysiological measures,
and observations of the occasional unfortunate
individual who suffered trauma to or disorders of
the brain (1).
Although neuroimaging is now becoming
more popular and utilised by a large group of
scientists, most of them are not ready to learn
coding in order to create user interfaces or
other functions since they are not specialised in
programming. Even today, the user interfaces that
are used by researchers are slow. Scientists have
to be experts in coding in order for neuroimaging
tools to be advantageous for them.
In the past, neuroimaging tools were usually
stand-alone and had to be installed in supported
operating systems. They were designed to view
the nervous system in black and white only. Now,
web-based tools have been introduced and are
often integrated with the most current databases
to provide more accurate and precise information.
Currently, it is diffcult to select the most
suitable neuroimaging tools for viewing the
structure and function of the nervous system of
the human brain. The sheer range of available
neuroimaging tools can be overwhelming.
Special Issue -
Neuroscience
A Review on the Bioinformatics Tools
for Neuroimaging
Mei Yen Man
1
, Mei Sin Ong
1
, Mohd Saberi Mohamad
1
,
Safaai Deris
2
, Ghazali sulOng
3
, Jasmy Yunus
4
,
Fauzan Khairi Che harun
4
1
Artifcial Intelligence and Bioinformatics Research Group, Faculty of
Computing, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
2
Faculty of Creative Technology & Heritage, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan,
Locked Bag 01, 16300 Bachok, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
3
Media and Game Innovation Centre of Excellence (MaGIC-X), Universiti
Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
4
Faculty of Biosciences and Medical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi
Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
Submitted: 5 Oct 2015
Accepted: 3 Nov 2015
8
Malays J Med Sci. Dec 2015; Special Issue: 8-18