Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is typically used to obtain detailed pictures of organs and tissues inside the human body. An MRI machine frequently includes a large tube-shaped magnet in which a patient lies down. When an MRI system obtains images of the brain, structures such as the brainstem, cerebellum, and the four lobes of the cerebral cortex can be seen. These structures are largely made up of nerve cells that carry electrical brain signals. Such signals make up brain activities or functions. The basis for fMRIs that increases or decreases in activity in a region of the brain result in increases or decreases in blood flow in that brain region, which in turn increases or decreases the MR signal.

Technology

Researchers at Stony Brook University have created a dynamic phantom capable of producing controlled blood-oxygen level-dependent signal fluctuations within a scanner environment to evaluate and minimize the effect of scanner noise while keeping physiological noise fixed. The dynamic phantom serves as a platform for the future development of clinically-informed computational neuroscience techniques by providing a known, tightly controlled input with which to compare to downstream analyses methods and scanner performance.

Advantages

Fully automated and programmable - Capable of complex inputs - Fully fMRI compatible with no metal components - Inexpensive to fabricate

Application

A platform for the future development of clinically-informed computational neuroscience techniques.