Handling Digital Brains: A Laboratory Study of Multimodal Semiotic Interaction in the Age of Computers (Inside Technology)

Uncover the hidden world of fMRI research with Morana Alac's groundbreaking book, "Handling Digital Brains: A Laboratory Study of Multimodal Semiotic Interaction in the Age of Computers." This illustrated hardcover edition, published by The MIT Press in 2011, offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of scientists as they grapple with the complex data generated by fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) technology. Alac, a semiotician with a background in cognitive science, goes beyond the sterile image of researchers passively observing brain scans on computer screens. Instead, she meticulously reveals how these scientists actively engage their bodies especially their hands in the process of analysis and interpretation. Drawing upon ethnographic observation and multimodal conversation analysis, Alac's research, based on videotaped records from three fMRI labs, unveils the crucial role of gesture, speech, and physical interaction in making sense of digital scientific visuals. This isn't just about looking at images; it's about *handling* them. Alac meticulously details how researchers discuss fMRI results with colleagues, animating the scans with their hands, pointing, tracing, and using embodied metaphors to explore the intricate patterns of brain activity. She argues that these "multimodal actions" are not simply auxiliary aids but are, in fact, integral to the very creation of meaning from the digital data. The book provides compelling evidence that understanding digital scientific visuals requires considering their dynamic coordination with embodied action and communication. "Handling Digital Brains" is a deep dive into the practical thinking that underlies cutting-edge neuroscience. Alac masterfully uses concepts from Charles Sanders Peirce's semiotics to provide a theoretical framework for understanding how meaning is constructed through signs and symbols, and how this construction is interwoven with the scientists bodily actions. She challenges the often-unspoken assumption that fMRI technology focuses our understanding of thinking solely within the individual brain. Instead, her research suggests that the actual practice of science in the fMRI lab reveals a more holistic view, where thinking is embodied, situated, and deeply intertwined with the world around us. The act of interpreting fMRI scans is therefore not merely a cognitive exercise but also a physical, interactive, and collaborative one. The book effectively dismantles the notion that the digital age necessarily leads to abstraction. Alac argues the opposite: working with digital brains in the lab fosters a manual and embodied engagement that highlights the essential role of our hands in learning and meaning-making. This challenges the assumption that fMRI technology alone can fully elucidate human thought processes. In essence, "Handling Digital Brains" reveals that human intelligence isn't confined to the brain, but extends outwards, encompassing our bodies, our tools, and our social interactions. This highly regarded study has garnered attention for its innovative approach to understanding scientific practice and its insightful contributions to the fields of human-computer interaction, cognitive science, and semiotics. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, science, and the human experience, especially those in the fields of computer science, medical imaging, and the philosophy of science. Whether you're a student, researcher, or simply curious about the inner workings of scientific discovery, "Handling Digital Brains" offers a unique and compelling perspective on how we make sense of the most complex object of all: the human brain. With 218 pages filled with insightful analysis and meticulously gathered evidence, this book promises a rewarding intellectual journey.