Translational MRI Research Core
The Translational MRI Core of the BIDMC Department of Radiology, Directed by David Alsop, PhD, provides state-of-the-art MRI capabilities for imaging human subjects and potentially large animals as part of research studies. The facility operates a GE Discovery MR750 3T whole-body scanner completely dedicated to research. Located in the Ansin Building on the BIDMC East campus, the scanner is FDA cleared for clinical use. In addition to commercial tools for clinical imaging, it has proprietary software including pulse programming environments and reconstruction programs and customizable software and protocols for applications including functional and structural brain imaging, abdominal perfusion and diffusion, muscle functional imaging and spectroscopy are available to users.
Read more about the facility and processes for scheduling and scanning
Preclinical MRI Core
The Preclinical MRI Core, Directed by Aaron Grant, PhD, oversees small high-field systems for research on specimens and in animal models of disease. A 9.4 Tesla Bruker horizontal bore system in close proximity to a HyperSense DNP Hyperpolarizer is located on the BIDMC East Campus on the 7th floor of the Dana Building. Our research is focused on basic science and application development for hyperpolarized 13C magnetic resonance imaging. We are currently developing techniques for metabolic imaging of cancer that may yield new tools for diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
Read more about the Preclinical MRI Core
Small Animal Imaging Facility
Also Directed by David Also, PhD, the Small Animal Imaging Facility, oversees a multimodality small animal imaging facility including PET, SPECT, CT, Bioluminescence, and Fluorescence imaging. A 1 Tesla Aspect table top MRI is also available for anatomic registration with the nuclear imaging modalities. We also offer animal blood testing capabilities for blood chemistries and complete blood counts.
Read more about the SAIF on their website
Yes! All 3 Core facilities are open to BIDMC investigators, external academic institutions, and commercial users. Interested individuals should contact Meaghan Fox, Research Program Manager, at , to learn more about the capabilities and the process to start a project with the Translational MRI Research Core, the Preclinical MRI Core, or the Small Animal Imaging Facility.