Trinity College Dublin’s 3.0T MRI supports infant brain development study

The first Siemens Healthineers Magnetom Prisma 3.0T MRI system in Ireland has been installed to support researchers at Trinity College Dublin in a series of neuroscience projects including research into brain development, Alzheimer’s and autism.

The equipment will expand neuroscience research capabilities at the university in the FOUNDCOG infant imaging project, one of three projects commencing at Trinity College. The project aims to improve understanding of brain development during the first year after birth and includes scope for investigation into possible disruptions caused by preterm birth or neonatal brain injury.

The Magnetom Prisma will also be used in projects seeking to establish early biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease, and a study exploring the biology of autism to tailor treatments and develop new medicines.

Siemens says the Magnetom Prisma is designed to sustain demanding MRI research challenges with outstanding gradient performance and minimised acoustic noise. Tim 4G integrated receive architecture with real-time feedback loop supports long-term stability, while TimTX TrueShape provides fully dynamic parallel transmission for higher resolution and reduced scan times.

“We selected the Magnetom Prisma based on its advanced capabilities aligning with the complex requirements of our upcoming projects,” said professor of cognitive neuroscience Rhodri Cusack.

“Some features, like rapid and robust multiband imaging, will be helpful in the FOUNDCOG infant imaging project. Others, like our PREVENT research into biomarkers of Alzheimer’s, will benefit from a consistent platform across collaborating sites such as King’s College London and Cambridge University.”

Picture: Professor of cognitive neuroscience Rhodri Cusack and Siemens Healthineers MRI scientist Sarah McElroy.

Published on page 11 of the November issue of RAD Magazine.