Functional hierarchy of the human neocortex across the lifespan - Nature

"Understanding brain network organization across the lifespan reveals that functional connectivity is structured along gradients, which capture variations in network architecture and align with information processing."

"The tension between gradient-based frameworks and cortical arealization suggests a complex relationship in brain organization, reminiscent of historical debates in physics regarding light."

"A key test of any framework's validity is its explanatory utility, which provides insights into brain function and behavior that are not evident from arealization-based studies."

"This study aims to link lifespan gradient metrics to cognitive outcomes and establish a normative timeline of gradient development from infancy to old age."

Brain network organization evolves throughout the human lifespan, with functional connectivity structured along cortical gradients. These gradients reflect variations in network architecture and align with information processing progressions. The tension between gradient-based frameworks and cortical arealization highlights the complexity of brain organization. This study aims to test the lifespan gradient framework's explanatory utility by correlating its metrics with cognitive outcomes, microstructural data, and gene ontology from infancy to old age, establishing a normative timeline for gradient development.

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