UROP Project

Optimization of an fMRI/MRI protocol for a whole-brain coverage imaging at 3 Tesla scanner investigating "social brain": Theoretical and practical approach (In the framework of IRTG2150)

JARA-BRAIN Translational Brain Medicine

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) is capable of detecting hemodynamic response of neural activities and demonstrating alteration of blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal in activated local brain areas. Signal amplitude of BOLD signal is only 3-4% higher than base line signal (resting state signal). Therefore whole brain coverage imaging with BOLD contrast requires specific configurations sensitive to BOLD signal.To improve temporal resolution and consequently less image distortions, an optimized protocol and a suitable MR pulse sequence for a research based fMRI measurement set up at 3T scanner is required. The aim of this project is to define a pulse sequence with its reliable measurement parameters for a given fMRI measurement paradigm and set up.

Task

- Learning about MR physics - Learning about different MR pulse sequences - Learning about fMRI measurement - fMRI data analysis - Reporting the results

Requirements

- Basic knowledge in MatLab - Interessted in MR Physics and programming