11.3
Medical imaging
Keywords
Magnetic resonance, metabolism, muscle, fMRI, body
composition, iDXA
Expertise
The University’s Magnetic Resonance and Image
Analysis Research Centre (MARIARC) is a core research
facility. Its primary aim is to deliver high-quality research
output in collaboration with, and in the service of, users
across the University and beyond.
MARIARC has two magnetic resonance scanners, both
used for a range of
in vivo
human studies applying the
basic techniques of structural magnetic resonance imaging
(
MRI), functional brain imaging (
f
MRI), and phosphorus
(
31
P) and proton (
1
H) magnetic resonance spectroscopy
(
MRS). We have particular expertise in three main areas:
1.
The study of muscle function and metabolism by
31
P MRS, supported by techniques such as electromy-
ography (EMG) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).
We specialise in quantitative modelling approaches to
probe
in vivo
physiology and have used MRI to study
pharmacological, exercise or nutritional interventions
and their effects on aerobic fitness, insulin sensitivity,
liver and body fat, and muscle function.
2.
The use of
1
H MRS/MRI to study liver and muscle lipids
and body fat composition, applied in a range of
endocrinological and metabolic disorders.
3.
Studies of brain function and brain disease using quan-
titative MRI and fMRI techniques, supported in various
studies by a variety of psychological, biochemical and
molecular techniques.
We have provided fMRI for investigations into: the
neuropsychology of appetite and eating behaviour;
language and social interaction; pain, cognition and
memory; learning and plasticity; and the effects of a
variety of inventions on brain activity.
MARIAC has access to state-of-the-art iDXA scanner
(
GE Medical Systems Lunar) facilities. Dual energy X-ray
absorptiometry measures three key components of body
structure: bone mass, lean tissue mass and fatty tissue
mass. iDXA is the gold standard for measuring these
body components and an essential facility to validate
health product claims relating to body composition.
Body composition measurements look beyond weight
and traditional body mass index (BMI) to determine body
fat distribution – an important risk factor in a variety of
serious diseases. Information from iDXA scans can prove
valuable information in conditions such as obesity, cystic
fibrosis, anorexia nervosa, chronic renal failure, and
wasting syndromes (caused by HIV/AIDS). Our iDXA
system may also be used for other two-scanning
applications such as bone or connective tissue scans.
There are two main groups of application of MR-
based methods:
--
Studies of pharmacological, exercise or nutritional
interventions expected to affect aerobic fitness,
insulin sensitivity, liver and body fat, and muscle
function (MRI,
1
H MRS,
31
P MRS)
--
Studies of the neuropsychology of appetite and
eating behaviour, language and social interaction,
pain, cognition and memory, learning and plasticity,
and inventions expected to affect these (fMRI)
The iDXA is currently being used to examine the
impact of diet, nutrition and exercise on body
composition and bone structure.
Capabilities and facilities
•
Phosphorus (
31
P) magnetic resonance spectroscopy
of skeletal muscle
•
Proton (
1
H) magnetic resonance spectroscopy of
skeletal muscle and liver
•
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of whole body
composition
•
Structural and functional magnetic resonance
imaging of brain
•
Three-dimensional structural and chemical mapping
using terahertz and infrared technology
•
Terahertz and infrared single-pixel camera
•
A portable inexpensive device for visualising human
blood vessels
in vivo
and in real-time
•
iDXA (GE Medical Systems Lunar) whole body
scanner with table supporting body weights of up to
204
kg.
Relevant centres and groups
•
Magnetic Resonance and Image Analysis Research
Centre
•
Technology Directorate.
Health & Wellbeing
52
Also see:
Digital Technologies –
1.
Imaging and detection,
page 141
For further information
on all our specialist
centres, facilities and
laboratories
go to page
179
