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Brain Imaging

The Brain Imaging Core Technology Platform performs cutting-edge, non-invasive examination of the brain’s structural features and functional activation, and its relation to human behavior, language, and working memory, which is observed via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology. This CTP is staffed with an imaging physicist and a certified MRI technologist, and is equipped with a state-of-the-art 3T Siemens MAGNETOM Prisma MRI scanner. The latest pulse sequences such as simultaneous multi-slice (SMS) for BOLD and diffusion sequences provide unparalleled capability of acquiring high spatial and temporal resolution images with adequate signal-to-noise ratio in shorter scan times. Several RF coils are available with the Prisma such as 20, 32, and 64 Channels head “TIM” RF receiver in addition to the RF body coils.


Furthermore, the Brain Imaging Core incorporates an advanced superconducting magnetoencephalography (MEG) system from Kyoto Institute of Technology (KIT). This state-of-the-art, non-invasive functional imaging technology enables researchers to directly record in real-time local electrical activity using approximately 160 axial gradiometers (recording electrodes) uniformly distributed across the brain with exceptional spatio-temporal resolution. This brain mapping capability empowers comprehensive investigations into cognitive functions, facilitating the examination of the brain's reactions to specific tasks or stimuli.

Last, the Brain Imaging Core integrates the Small Animal Imaging platform, offering advanced in vivo and ex vivo multimodality imaging for preclinical models. This capability empowers researchers to conduct comprehensive and non-invasive longitudinal assessments across various dimensions, including animal anatomy, physiology, metabolism, gene expression, and disease progression. The facility plays a pivotal role in research, facilitating the evaluation of potential drug efficacy, gaining a non-invasive molecular understanding of disease processes in animal models, assessing therapeutic responses, and contributing to the development of novel imaging contrast agents. At the core of its capabilities is the state-of-the-art IVIS Spectrum optical imaging system from Revvity/Perkin Elmer. This system supports in vivo 2D and 3D bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging, accommodating a wide array of reporters. Complementing this, the facility houses a cutting-edge high-resolution, low-dose microCT scanner, the SkyScan 1276 from Bruker (X-ray Computed Tomography), enabling detailed structural and functional imaging. For direct visualization of internal organs and biopsy procedures, researchers have access to a tailored Endo-Arthroflator-Vet endoscope from Karl Storz.

Equipment List

MRI Lab

  • MRI scanner - Siemens MAGNETOM Prisma 3T
  • Eye Link 1000 Eye Tracking System
  • Vpixx Projector System (visual, auditory, and response boxes)
  • Digital video camera MR compatible in-bore “MRC-HiSpeed”
  • MRI compatible microphone           

Mock Scanner Room   

  • Vpixx Projector System (visual, auditory, and response boxes)
  • 32/64 Channel Brain Products EEG System
  • Eye Link 1000 Eye Tracking System (benchtop)     

MEG Lab         

  • 208 Channel Kit MEG System
  • Vpixx Projector System (visual, auditory, and response boxes)
  • Eye Link 1000 Eye Tracking System
  • Helium Recovery System (purification and liquification)
  • FastSCAN Laser Scanner

Small Animal Imaging Lab         

  • Anesthesia Machine
  • PerkinElmer IVIS Spectrum Imaging 220V
  • Rodent Endoscope System Karl Storz
  • SKYSCAN 1276 -High-resolution desktop in vivo micro-CT system

Computing Resources

  • Dell PowerEdge Server (4xA100 GPU Data Center)