On Friday, July 9th, the first human subject was scanned on the new Prisma 3T MRI scanner in CAHBIR. Although the purpose of the scan session was only to assess initial image quality and evaluate early imaging protocols still in development, we were all very pleased with the results. The scanner performed well in all metrics, and very useful information was obtained that is helping to improve the techniques.
CAHBIR is excited to have taken this first step to developing production imaging protocols, and we are confident that actual research subjects will be in the scanner in the next few weeks. There is a lot going on right now that involves putting the finishing touches on the facility, the stimulus presentation systems, the data handling infrastructure, and training procedures. As soon as all those things are finished and rigorously tested to ensure they are ready, CAHBIR will officially begin the process of training users and running research subjects.
Keep checking back here for updates that will surely grow in frequency with all the new developments happening. To keep up with all of them, be sure to follow CAHBIR on Twitter, @Rutgers_CAHBIR.