Validation and Application

Lastly, we apply our latest methodological developments to fundamental neuroscientific research. We explore how cortical microarchitecture relates to genes and evolution. Our developments in optimized diffusion imaging and in optimized high-resolution functional imaging allow a detailed characterization of the visual system. By combining quantitative MRI with functional imaging methods, such as functional MRI and magnetoencephalography, we directly investigate the relationship between microstructure and information processing and transfer in the human brain. Finally, we aim to translate our methods to clinical applications, e.g., by providing quantitative outcome measures for clinical trials, such as the NISCI trial on spinal cord injury.

exemplary activation maps for thin and thick stripes

In this project, we studied cortical myelin in living humans at the spatial scale of cortical columns using high-resolution quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods at 7 T. more

phase responses for GE-EPI for runs

In this project, we study the resolution limits of different high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) methods to resolve differences within the cerebral cortex. more

thresholded z-score maps of ODCs

In this project, we study the ability to image columnar structures in the human cerebral cortex using high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) methods at 7T. more

Teaser image for MRI biophysics

Understanding brain development and decline is of utmost importance in an aging society. MRI Biophysics Research Group aims to uncover crucial mechanisms of human brain aging, by identifying the contribution of iron accumulation, a major determinant of brain development and brain decline. more

A Biophysical Model of Iron-Induced Transverse MRI Relaxation in Nigrosome 1: Toward an Early Biomarker of Parkinson's Disease

We linked the effective transverse relaxation rate R2* with dopaminergic cell densities and iron concentrations in nigrosome 1 by combining 3D quantitative iron histology, post mortem ultra-high resolution MRI, tissue deironing, and analytical modeling approaches. more

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