ARRA: A High-Field Small Animal MR Imager for Biomedical Research

This grant is to support the acquisition of a high-field small animal imager to support multiple NIH- funded investigators using small animals for biomedical research. The imager selected is a 7T Bruker ClinScan system which incorporates the advantages of Bruker magnet, gradient coil and radiofrequency coil with the expertise and accomplishments of Siemens Medical Solutions to produce the RE electronics and controlling software. That the new imager will operate using syngo software which is the same as used on the Siemens TIM Trio also housed in the Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Ceflter (MRISC) will facilitate translation of imaging protocols between experimental animals and human research subjects and will aid in the acquisition of optimal imaging protocols on complex studies. The instrument will be installed in and administered by MRISC - a university core facility dedicated to the development of innovative preclinical and experimental MR imaging of experimental animals and humans. The imager will be operated and maintained by a group of experienced MR researchers. The imager will be sited next to the animal colony facility which houses non-human primates, as well as rats and mice used for a variety of research studies.