Explore the complexities and advancements in functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) through a comprehensive lecture by Dr. Peter Bandettini, a leading expert in neuroimaging. Delve into the improvements made in fMRI over the past 30 years, as well as persistent challenges and controversies in the field. Examine the four pillars of fMRI application and investigate critical issues such as physiological noise, blood volume effects, and real-time assessment techniques. Gain insights into the importance of seamless data and code pooling, publication workflows, and the potential of shared and curated data in advancing fMRI research. Discover ongoing fluctuations in fMRI signals and their potential as biomarkers for brain function and dysfunction.