Systemic physiological "noise" in fMRI has clinical relevance.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is central to studying neurobiological mechanisms, yet fMRI has limited clinical utility, highlighting the need for novel approaches. We show that a component of the fMRI signal-the systemic low-frequency oscillation (sLFO), linked to blood flow and physiological measures of arousal-indexes trait- and state-level drug use phenotypes. In individuals who chronically use nicotine, sLFO amplitude increased during abstinence and correlated with heightened dependence severity and cue-induced craving.

Alcohol- and non-alcohol-related interference: An fMRI study of treatment-seeking adults with alcohol use disorder.

Background: Individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) have difficulty diverting attention away from alcohol-related stimuli and towards non-alcohol-related goals (i.e., alcohol-related attention interference).