NeuroVault.org: A repository for sharing unthresholded statistical maps, parcellations, and atlases of the human brain

Abstract

NeuroVault.org is dedicated to storing outputs of analyses in the form of statistical maps, parcellations and atlases, a unique strategy that contrasts with most neuroimaging repositories that store raw acquisition data or stereotaxic coordinates. Such maps are indispensable for performing meta-analyses, validating novel methodology, and deciding on precise outlines for regions of interest (ROIs). NeuroVault is open to maps derived from both healthy and clinical populations, as well as from various imaging modalities (sMRI, fMRI, EEG, MEG, PET, etc.). The repository uses modern web technologies such as interactive web-based visualization, cognitive decoding, and comparison with other maps to provide researchers with efficient, intuitive tools to improve the understanding of their results. Each dataset and map is assigned a permanent Universal Resource Locator (URL), and all of the data is accessible through a REST Application Programming Interface (API). Additionally, the repository supports the NIDM-Results standard, and has the ability to parse outputs from popular FSL and SPM software packages to automatically extract relevant metadata. This ease of use, modern web-integration, and pioneering functionality holds promise to improve the workflow for making inferences about and sharing whole-brain statistical maps.

Cluster failure: Why fMRI inferences for spatial extent have inflated false-positive rates

“…Although our massive empirical study depended on shared data, it is disappointing that almost none of the published studies have shared their data, neither the original data nor even the 3D statistical maps. As no analysis method is perfect, and new problems and limitations will be certainly found in the future, we commend all authors to at least share their statistical results [e.g., via NeuroVault.org (44)] and ideally the full data [e.g., via OpenfMRI.org (7)]. Such shared data provide enormous opportunities for methodologists, but also the ability to revisit results when methods improve years later.…”

Intrinsic Visual-Motor Synchrony Correlates With Social Deficits in Autism

“…Intrinsic activity in upper limb motor and higher order visual processing areas was, again, more out-of-sync in individuals with ASD compared to TD controls. Copies of all visual and motor components are available through NeuroVault (57) : http://neurovault.org/collections/PITHNIWJ/.…”

The Brain Analysis Library of Spatial maps and Atlases (BALSA) database

“…Perhaps the closest in spirit to BALSA is Neurovault (Gorgolewski et al, 2016; http://neurovault.org), a repository where researchers can publicly store and share unthresholded statistical maps, parcellations, and atlases generated by MRI and PET studies. Neurovault currently displays only volumetric data, not surface or CIFTI data and hence is largely complementary to BALSA.…”