What technique is used to reveal brain activity by comparing blood flow in successive MRI scans?

Functional MRI (fMRI) is the correct technique used to reveal brain activity by measuring changes in blood flow. This method takes advantage of the fact that when neurons in a specific brain area become more active, they require more oxygen, which is delivered through increased blood flow. In fMRI, this blood flow is measured over time, allowing researchers to observe dynamic changes in brain activity during various tasks.

The technique captures images of the brain based on variations in the magnetic properties of oxygenated versus deoxygenated blood, providing a clear view of which brain regions are active at any given moment. By comparing successive MRI scans, fMRI highlights areas of heightened neural activity, making it invaluable for both research and clinical applications in understanding brain function.