Ongoing, intrinsic brain activity that is not task-related accounts for the majority of energy used by the human brain, Dr. Marcus Raichle at the Washington University School of Medicine has found.

Raichle provides an overview of the most recent observations derived from modern brain imaging techniques, along with other recent discoveries about the brain and its function, structure, and organization, in the new journal Brain Connectivity.

His findings include spatial and temporal patterns of intrinsic brain activity, the relationship between spontaneous activity and consciousness, the fact that a lack of direct physical connections between brain structures does not preclude functional connectivity, the link between age and changes in brain function and connectivity, and the integration of major brain systems during a task compared to when the brain is at rest.

Brain Connectivity will give scientists and clinicians access to the most recent findings in the rapidly advancing field of connectivity research at the systems and network levels. The Journal will disseminate information on brain mapping, modeling, novel research techniques, and the translation of research discoveries from the laboratory to the clinic.

Ref: Marcus E. Raichle, The Restless Brain, Brain Connectivity, May 2011.