We investigate fundamental questions of tissue structure and biochemical processes in living systems, which are accessible to study with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. To provide a detailed understanding of the living system, we are examining excised tissue with MR microscopy and spectroscopy. Then these measurements are extended to studies in vivo. This work involves a detailed investigation of biophysical processes at the cellular and molecular level, along with the development of methods for measuring MR images and spectra, data processing and modeling algorithms, and specialized hardware. We are currently working on methods to visualize the white matter structure of the brain and relate this to brain function.
In support of this work, we design and construct specialized hardware, including radio-frequency (200-750 MHz) MR inductive resonators, 3D printed structures for sample positioning, and for phantom construction.