Resource for Magnetic Resonance and Optical Imaging
From BTRR
Overview
The focus of this resource is on developing instrumentation, methodologies, and data analysis techniques for the quantitative assessment of functional, structural, and metabolic parameters in humans with the use of multinuclear magnetic resonance, novel spectral, perfusion, functional, and optical imaging techniques.
Current Research
In conjunction with our collaborators, the resource is pursuing the following four broad areas of core research. The first core deals with the development of novel magnetic resonance (MR) techniques for studying the structural, biochemical, and metabolic aspects of cartilage, brain, and tumors, with direct application to arthritis, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. This core also develops novel image reconstruction strategies to quantify high temporal contrast agent dynamics in breast and other tissues. In the second core, research is being undertaken to improve quantitative perfusion imaging at high fields and in pediatric patients as well as methods for concurrent imaging of blood flow and glucose metabolism. It also develops strategies for correlation of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with optical imaging. The third core's subprojects deal with MR of hyperpolarized gases and development of a comprehensive approach for the study of pulmonary and sinus diseases. This core also develops strategies for improving the efficiency of hyperpolarization of 129Xe. The fourth and final core focuses on combining optical and MRI techniques, development of methods of two-photon optical metabolic imaging and image reconstruction strategies in diffusion tomography for the study of neurophysiology, and breast cancer. The facility's core sections provide research and computing resources for numerous user, collaborative, and training projects.
