Structural racism in neuroimaging: perspectives and solutions
Webb EK, Etter JA, Kwasa JA. Addressing racial and phenotype bias in human neuroscience methods. Nat Neurosci (in press).
,
- Etienne A
- Laroia T
- Weigle H
- et al.
High-quality fNIRS and EEG data are highly dependent on hair texture, style, and length. MRI uses a head coil that restricts big, afro-textured hair. Further, sew-in hair extensions can have metal tracks that prevent an individual from entering an MRI bore.
Subsequently, the recruitment of Black participants in human neuroscience research is especially low.
- Etienne A
- Laroia T
- Weigle H
- et al.
,
- Choy T
- Baker E
- Stavropoulos K
Here, we provide some actionable ways to move forward.
- Etienne A
- Laroia T
- Weigle H
- et al.
We urge engineers to work with hairstylists to redesign fNIRS and EEG caps to an adjustable, skeleton-like structure to accommodate more hair textures and styles. We also encourage scientists and engineers to acquire gold-cup EEG electrodes and to lengthen fNIRS probes for closer scalp contact for coarser hair. Although we cannot change the physics of MRI, acknowledging MRI recruitment issues is one step towards mitigating structural racism.
We urge investigators to report fully the participants who did not meet inclusion criteria in a sample and why, as this is crucial for reproducible research. Peer-reviewed journals must require authors to address racial gaps in recruitment in the limitations section of articles and to discuss possible improvements in inclusionary practices.
Research investigators and engineers involved in human neuroimaging research should receive proper institutional training on treating the hairstyles of individuals of African descent and should complete an annual compliance assessment on treating participants with various hairstyles and head coverings. Additionally, scientists should consider collaborating financially with local Black hairstylists and barbers to use neurotechnology in a way that appreciates the delicacy of Black hairstyles and hair types. These beauticians can help recruit Black participants in neuroscience research. We can not rely on young Black researchers to educate non-Black researchers about Black hair. Science is collaborative, and thus we need to address these systematic and explicit forms of racism within neuroimaging together.
We declare no competing interests.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(22)00079-7
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