MRI at the NZBRI

MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is an exquisite imaging technique that uses powerful magnets and radiofrequency waves to created detailed images of the body. One of the many benefits of MRI is that it uses no ionizing (damaging) radiation, making it safe and non-invasive. Also, by slightly adjusting the initial parameters of the scan, we can create a multitude of different image types that can tell us about different aspects of brain health.

Our goal is to perform ground-breaking neuroimaging research. Researchers from the New Zealand Brain Research Institute work closely with neurologists, radiologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, paediatricians, physicists and basic scientists in this extremely cross-disciplinary environment. Access to worldclass MRI scanners is made possible through an ongoing collaboration with Pacific Radiology; all NZBRI scanning is performed on Pacific Radiology scanners.

Our researchers employ a number of MRI techniques to investigate the brain. Here are just a few examples:

Structural T1-weighted MRI: A high resolution scan that provides exquisite information about the anatomy (size, shape, thickness, etc.) of the brain. 

Diffusion MRI: A type of imaging that is extremely sensitive to underlying white matter changes in the brain, which is the only non-invasive technique that allows us to map out connections (white matter tracts) in the living brain.

Functional MRI: This technique allows us to localise parts of the brain that are functionally active when performing a particular task. It also allows us to investigate how different areas of the brain are functionally connected.

Blood flow (perfusion) MRI: Another functional measure, this technique provides a quantitative measure of blood flow to the brain in a completely non-invasive manner.

In collaboration with other national and international researchers, we also use newer MRI techniques to investigate iron deposition in the brain, elasticity of blood vessels, and blood brain barrier permeability.

Current research projects involving the 3T MRI facility include:

• Parkinson's disease and movement disorders
• Memory, cognitive enrichment, and dementia
• Sleep & lapses
• Preterm birth and very low birth weight
• Mild traumatic brain injury
• Stuttering
• Batten disease
• Response to the Canterbury earthquakes
• Early cannabis use and its impact on the brain.

PET imaging at the NZBRI

In addition to MRI, we have recently begun to image the brain using Positron Emission Tomography (PET). PET imaging allows us to image glucose metabolism as well as the accumulation of amyloid (a protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease). 

Contact us

For more details, or to discuss proposed research areas, please contact:

Associate Professor Tracy Melzer
MRI Research Lead, New Zealand Brain Research Institute
tracy.melzer@nzbri.org