Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been a useful diagnostic tool since its development over 30 years ago. It is used to monitor a variety of biological systems, ranging from simple protein solutions to animals and humans. Along with its obvious use as a clinical research tool, MRI has gained popularity in studying preclinical animal models of human disease and disorders. Its two attractive advantages in preclinical research are its ability to monitor in vivo biological variables noninvasively, and to serially track the progression of a disease or intervention in the same living animal, thus improving a study's biological and translational relevance. MRI can measure a wide array of biological variables, ranging from morphological information to parameters relating to tissue function. More recently, MRI has become involved in "molecular imaging" where cellular and biochemical events are indirectly detected through the use of targeted contrast agents. 

The MRI lab, housed in the Magnetic Resonance Unit infrastructure, includes:

• Bruker Biospec 15.2 Tesla MRI scanner for preclinical research (3 transmitter channels 1H and X, 4 parallel receiver channels, 11 cm-diameter accessible bore size); 
• Bruker AVIII-400WB wide-bore spectrometer used for both MRI microscopic imaging, Solid-State (MAS) studies, as well as for spectroscopic studies; 
• In-scan isofluorane anesthesia system and body temperature control; 
• Monitoring system for vital signs (respiration, ECG, and rectal temperature); and an 
• Animal prep room for scan preparation and small surgeries.