From associations and predictions to perturbations and mechanisms: Commentary on “Longer scans boost prediction and cut costs in brain-wide association studies”

2026/05/13 by Anna Behler, Michael Breakspear · 1 voice
Neuroscience · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Medicine · #Functional Brain Connectivity Studies #Genetic Associations and Epidemiology #Advanced Neuroimaging Techniques and Applications

paper · pdf · doi:10.52294/001c.161448

Abstract

Brain-wide association studies (BWAS) are a research tool for discovering reproducible brain–phenotype associations but require massive sample sizes to achieve adequate power. Ooi and colleagues recently demonstrated that longer fMRI scans in fewer participants can outperform short scans in large samples. While acknowledging the practical value of this approach, we highlight three critical considerations: population representativeness, cohort-specific feasibility constraints, and the distinction between predictive optimization and mechanistic understanding. We also outline complementary strategies that can enhance predictive power without solely relying on increased scan duration.

Citations

• Longer scans boost prediction and cut costs in brain-wide association studies

Discussions

• Do longer scans really improve prediction and reduce costs in BWAS? Explore the commentary series: • Breakspear: doi.org/10.52294/001... • Bijsterbosch: doi.org/10.52294/001... • McIntosh: doi.org/10 [bsky, 22 points, 0 comments]

Related

• Longer scans boost prediction and cut costs in brain-wide association studies
• Longer scans boost prediction and cut costs in brain-wide association studies
• Reproducible brain-wide association studies require thousands of individuals
• Sample size evolution in neuroimaging research: An evaluation of highly-cited studies (1990–2012) and of latest practices (2017–2018) in high-impact journals
• The Future of Data Analysis in the Neurosciences