CFH1 KIT - Measuring functional magnetic resonance signals in rodents

York researchers are developing a state-of-the-art method called ‘hyperpolarization’ to increase the signal obtained from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners by a factor of hundreds or even thousands. This technology has the potential to revolutionise medical imaging by allowing clinicians to detect tiny amounts of chemicals in the living human body. Here, we propose to lay the groundwork for the development of hyperpolarized functional MRI – allowing us to measure changes in brain activity with unprecedented sensitivity. The initial stage, to be funded by this grant, will be to develop a reliable standardized protocol for measuring functionally-driven signals in both anaesthetised and awake mice.