Human Magnetic Resonance Center

Siemens 3T (123 MHz) Skyra is a 70-cm bore MRI/MRS scanner for acquisition of BOLD, Diffusion, and MR spectroscopy data. The scanner uses state-of-the-art technology for fast and efficient collection of:

• structural neuroimaging (white and gray matter and CSF morphology and diffusion tractography),
• functional neuroimaging (resting state and task-based fMRI),
• multi-nuclear spectroscopy (¹H, ³¹P and ¹³C)
• MR elastography
• structural imaging of bone and tissue

Noninvasive imaging that measures brain activity and function during resting state and task-based imaging (fMRI) by detecting dynamic physiological processes in real time associated with blood flow and the blood oxygen levels in response to neural activation and consumption, this is referred to as BOLD or Blood Oxygen Level Dependent Imaging. This is used to investigate neurotypical brain connectivity and regional function across the lifespan and to understand brain dysfunction and neuroplasticity. 

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a noninvasive data collection technique that is ideal for measuring biochemical content and metabolism of tissues in the body. This method allows us to gather metabolic information, which is unique and independent, but complementary to the anatomic information obtained with other magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques in various pathology. MRS is able to display data in various ways, including chemical composition and measurement of the spatial distribution of metabolite concentrations.

Static imaging of the white and gray matter and CSF of the brain, as well as bone and tissue, are used to examine typical structural morphology and connectivity, as well as atypical structure, neuroplasticity, and neurodegeneration.

Demonstrates various aspects of muscle, organ, bone, joint, soft tissue and nerve structure and function. High resolution images can be generated in which the following details can be demonstrated: fat, muscle, tendons, ligaments, and fluid as well as vasculature and nerve systems. These can be used to quantify various data such as fat quantification, edema, pathology and structural damage or degeneration.