Spatial normalization

Okay kiddo, you know how we all look different? Our faces, our bodies, our skin color, and even the size of our arms and legs! But scientists and doctors need to compare and study people's brains to understand how they work and find ways to help them feel better.

The problem is that everyone's brain is different too! So, to compare them, scientists make all the different brains look like they are the same size and shape. This process is called spatial normalization.

It's like taking a big puzzle with unique pieces and making them all fit together perfectly. Scientists use special computer programs to stretch or shrink someone's brain image to fit a more standard shape that is like a template brain. It's like using a cookie cutter to make all cookies the same shape and size.

Now that all the brain images are the same size and shape, scientists can compare and study them to see if certain areas are smaller or larger than others. This helps them understand how different parts of the brain work and how they are involved in different feelings, thoughts, or actions.

So, spatial normalization is a way to make everyone's different brain images look similar so scientists can study them and learn more about how our brains work. Just like how we all look different on the outside, our brains also look different on the inside, but scientists can use special tools to make them look similar so they can study them easier!