Home / Research / Core Facilities / Brain Imaging Core

Photo of researcher looking at a brain scan - Pexels Anna Shvets PhotographerThe Brain Imaging Core (BIC) helps researchers studying intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by providing technical and scientific support for brain imaging. They offer access to advanced imaging methods like MRI, PET, and electrophysiology.

The BIC works closely with other research units and centers at the UW Department of Radiology and the UW Center for Human Neuroscience.

Core Services:

  1. Expert guidance in designing brain imaging studies and selecting appropriate methods.
  2. Training and assistance in preparing research subjects, especially young children with IDD.
  3. Developing specialized equipment and imaging protocols for specific studies.
  4. Training in the safe use of imaging equipment and techniques.
  5. IT support for managing images.
  6. Training and assistance in data collection and advanced image analysis.
  7. Help with preparing Human Subjects IRB applications for neuroimaging research.

The BIC is divided into three components:

  1. Technical MRI and PET acquisition and experiment development.
  2. Image post-processing and analysis.
  3. Human electrophysiology.

Each component is led by an expert who collaborates closely to support researchers effectively.

Brain Imaging Core

Brain Imaging Core Breakdown

Technical MRI and PET acquisition and experiment development

The overall goal of the Core is to support affiliates and train junior investigators to perform scientifically sound research by providing a variety of (and selecting appropriate) advanced imaging modalities such as structural and functional/physiologic MRI, multinuclear MR spectroscopy, PET, ERP/EEG, and MEG as well as by designing study-specific sophisticated analysis tools for both human and animal studies.

Image post-processing and analysis.

The overall goal of the Core is to support affiliates and train junior investigators to perform scientifically sound research by providing a variety of (and selecting appropriate) advanced imaging modalities such as structural and functional/physiologic MRI, multinuclear MR spectroscopy, PET, ERP/EEG, and MEG as well as by designing study-specific sophisticated analysis tools for both human and animal studies.

Human Electrophysiology

A central resource of the Human Electrophysiology Component (HEC) is the Electrophysiology Laboratory, also housed in core space providing tight integration of HEC imaging services with MR image acquisition. This facilitates easy collaboration between these two brain imaging modalities and is especially important in support of the laboratory’s in-magnet EEG system. This system, consisting of a BrainAmp MRplus MRI-compatible 64-channel digital system (Brain Products, Inc.), permits simultaneous EEG and fMRI data acquisition. Use of this system in the magnet is complex and requires specialized support from HEC staff to help prepare the subject as well as to monitor acquisition to ensure a good EEG data set during the imaging experiment. IDDRC affiliates also have access to an EEG/event-related potentials (ERP) apparatus (Electrical Geodesics Inc., Eugene, OR) that utilizes the dense array electrode system that records brain activity from a 128 scalp electrode array.

The lab currently has ten 128 channel nets of various adult, child, and infant sizes. The laboratory can also record a wide range of autonomic measures in conjunction with EEG for use in studies of attention, stress, and emotion.

Brain Imaging Core

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Core Services

Specific services are as follows:

  1. To provide expert technical and scientific guidance in all aspects of brain imaging study design including selection of the most appropriate imaging methods and optimization of imaging parameters such as the use of computer-generated EEG source imaging, development of study-specific static and dynamic PET imaging protocols, and design of appropriate stimulus paradigms for functional imaging studies;
  2. To provide training and assistance in preparing research subjects. This includes but is not limited to the use of our mock scanner (MR scan simulator) for training subjects in proper performance on experimental tasks and reducing voluntary motion. This is especially critical when studying young children with IDD.
  3. To facilitate development of specialized equipment including custom radiofrequency (RF) MRI coils and adapting devices for specific experiment designs.
  4. To assist in developing unique imaging protocols that are study specific. These may include novel MR pulse sequence design/development for specialized experiments for human as well as animal studies.
  5. To train affiliates, students, and postdocs in safe use of MR scanners, ERP/EEG/MEG imaging equipment, and nuclear imaging techniques (PET).
  6. To provide expert IT assistance and support for image acquisition, storage, transfer, and backup.
  7. To train and assist investigators and team members in accurate data collection, selection of the best image analysis methods for their experiment, and the use of advanced image analysis techniques; and
  8. To train and assist investigators, students, and staff in procedures, risks, and methodology for preparing Human Subjects IRB applications specific for neuroimaging research projects.

To optimally support these objectives, the BIC is organized into 3 highly interactive components:

  1. Technical MRI and PET acquisition and experiment development.
  2. MR and PET image post-processing and analysis; and
  3. All aspects related to human electrophysiology.

Each component of the Core is led by a scientist with expertise in the respective area and all interact closely and provide valuable support to affiliates in a seamless and complementary fashion.