Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is well known for its essential diagnostic role in modern medicine, but it is also an invaluable tool in studying the structure, function and metabolism of the brain for fundamental research and clinical translation. MRI can be used to map the regions and networks in the brain using a noninvasive technique called functional MRI (fMRI). MRI can also be used to understand the wiring between brain areas using a technique called diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and advanced versions of diffusion imaging and quantitative MRI can also be used to evaluate the microstructure of the brain, such as the density of nerve endings, immune cell responses and neurodegeneration. Research in these areas is translated from advanced preclinical animal models to human applications. For 30 years, Western’s Centre for Functional and Metabolic Mapping (CFMM) has been on the leading edge of developing such techniques, and by working with researchers and clinicians, has made impactful contributions to understanding normal brain function and how it might be altered in disease. To fully exploit the types of unique and sophisticated MRI scanners found in the CFMM requires a large team of highly skilled technical staff – MRI physicists, software engineers, MRI technologists, veterinary technologists and research coordinators. The Brain Canada Platform Support Grant helps support this exceptional cadre of staff and the unique infrastructure – with the resulting developments freely shared across the globe through a well-established open science environment.
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University of Western Ontario (Western University)
