MR-Research in Neurosciences
Welcome to the scientific core facility „MR-Research in Neurosciences” of the Department of Cognitive Neurology. The MR research group aims to bring modern magnetic resonance (MR) techniques from basic neuroscientific research into the clinical research and practice soon.
The facility operates in the field of innovative structural and functional imaging and assists a number of research projects on this subject, particularly from clinical neuroscientific departments of the University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG). The work of this core facility is accompanied by an advisory board.
Equipment
The core facility is equipped with a 3 Tesla MR scanner (Siemens Magnetom Prisma fit), which is dedicated to research only.
The spectrum of applied techniques includes methods for structural MR imaging, real-time MRI, quantitative MR spectroscopy, perfusion-based MRI, diffusion-based MRI, and functional MRI, among others.
For monitoring of vital functions and interaction with test participants, different peripheral devices are available. Data analysis is achieved using commercially available software packages as well as in-house software.
Services offered
Our services are available to work groups of the UMG as well as for university and non-university cooperation partners based on the terms of use (Nutzungsordnung) and according to the price list. Requests regarding cooperation projects should be addressed to the head of the core facility. To apply for a project, please use the application form „MR-Forschung Projektantrag“.
Available magnetic resonance techniques
Besides classical structural MR imaging, various modern techniques are used by the research group. For special requirements there is the possibility to implement appropriate techniques. The following list provides an overview about the most used methods:
- MR imaging (MRI): Used for the structural characterization of the human brain with an excellent soft tissue contrast and high spatial resolution. For quantitative tissue characterization, quantitative MRI (qMRI) is used.
- Real-time MRI (rt-MRI): Enables the recording of image series within milliseconds and allows, e.g., for the investigation of flow phenomena and an improved quantification of physical as well as physiological parameters.
- MR spectroscopy (MRS): Used for the localized quantification of brain metabolite concentrations, which provides insight to the cellular composition and the metabolism of the tissue being studied.
- Perfusion-based MRI (PWI/ ASL): Used for the characterization of tissue perfusion. The application of spin-labeling techniques enables the examination without the need for contrast agents.
- Diffusion-based MRI (DWI/ DTI/ HARDI): Used for monitoring of diffusion characteristics and therewith the integrity of tissue as well as monitoring of nerve fiber bundles in the white matter of the brain.
- Functional MRI (fMRI): Used for characterization of brain function during simple sensory or motor tasks, complex cognitive activity, and during rest. Thanks to the simultaneous use of neurophysiological methods (such as transcranial stimulation techniques, electroencephalography) during fMRI the advantages of different modalities can be combined.
Contact
You will find the scientific core facility in the research building Heart & Brain Center Göttingen.
contact information
- telephone: +49 551 3967632
- e-mail address: mrserviceeinheit.sekretariat(at)med.uni-goettingen.de