Allahyar Kangarlu, PhD

We are interested in enhancing capabilities of MRI in accessing cellular level information about the structure and function of human brain. For example, while within the cerebral cortex, sulci and gyri constitute the most identifiable anatomical landmarks, functional organization of the cortex is not yet accessible. The MRI-visible structural units within the cortex, which are function-related are the cortical areas and subcortical nuclei. The spatial resolution of MRI is sufficient to visualize these structures. The depiction of internal structure and interfaces of these units, however, requires much higher resolution. To enable MRI to characterize brain structure and function more precisely requires more technological advancement in information encoding (pusle sequences) and detection (RF coils). Our past high-resolution images indicate that the opportunity exists to enhance the sharpness of areal and nuclear borders to acquire microscopic cytoarchitectonic MRI maps in-vivo non-invasively. Considering that high susceptibility will amplify both physical representation and hemodynamic representation of microscopic vessels, we are interested in developing techniques to exploit this effect to offer more direct access to neural activity (fMRI). We are interested in using this aspect of high magnetic field to sensitize MRI to neurochemical activities.

Physics and engineering techniques are used to develop radio frequency (RF) coils to enhance the sensitivity of MRI in obtaining more accurate information from the human brain. Every MRI technique including high resolution anatomical, fMRI, DTI, spectroscopy, and perfusion are used to study the brain both in normal state and stimulated state. Minute variation in the brain of patients with psychiatric disorders as a response to our imaging techniques are analyzed to extract information about the inner structure and function of the brain. In addition, pulse sequences are developed to enable us to better detect metabolites, response to motor/sensory or cognitive tasks, and neuronal tracks.