Facilities

The centerpiece of the IRC is a Bruker Biospec 30/60, 3.0T, 60cm bore MRI scanner dedicated to research in animals and human subjects. This instrument has two gradient sets and several RF coils for various applications in animals and humans. It is equipped with echo planar imaging capabilities for fast imaging of the brain. It is now complimented by a Bruker Biospec 7T, 30 cm bore MR scanner for small animals. Both Bruker systems are operated from a Linux console using ParaVision software up to version 4.0. The IRC also has dedicated research time on several clinical MR systems including a whole body Siemens 3T Trio and several 1.5T scanners with multi-channel and multi-nuclear capabilities. In 2005, the IRC acquired an Imtek microCT system for study in small animals and specimens.

In addition the IRC includes an animal surgical suite, a "biobubble", a chemistry lab, an electronics lab, a machine shop, and a computer facility including SGI, Macintosh, and PC workstations. The IRC also has access to x-ray angiography and ultrasound imaging facilities for use in animal research.