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We are always
looking for participants for our fMRI research studies. Studies last
between 1-2 hours, and in addition to being paid for their time,
participants receive a photograph of their brain.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) allows researchers
to obtain images of brain activity over time, as participants complete
various tasks. These images provide clues about which areas of the
brain are related to cognitive processes, and how different brain
regions work together. The findings from fMRI research shed light on
how the brain is organized.
Participant
Recruitment Form (offsite link)
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Brain
image from fMRI scan |
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What to expect
During the
study, an fMRI scanner, like the one in the photo below, will take
images of your brain as you complete tasks such as reading or
remembering letters and responding to questions by a keypad. It is
important that you devote all of your effort to the tasks you complete,
in order for the images of your brain to be meaningful.
fMRI
is a very safe, noninvasive imaging technology. Unlike x-rays, fMRI
does not use ionizing radiation. Instead, fMRI images are generated
from a strong magnetic field and low-power radio-waves, which expose
fMRI subjects to much less energy than x-ray subjects.
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You will lie
with your back on a table that slides into a horizontal cylinder in the
scanner. Once inside the scanner, it is important to lie still, as many
images of your brain will be taken over time, and to be useful, the
images must line up. In order to help you stay still and comfortable,
pillows will be placed under and around your head and body in the
scanner.
The scanner makes loud beeping noises, so you will be given earplugs or
headphones. You will always be able to communicate with the
researchers, although they will not neccessarily be able to hear you
over the noise made by the scanner. The researchers will frequently
interact with you to make sure that you are comfortable and to let you
know what will happen next. You should not experience any discomfort.
If you do, alert the researcher and the scan will be stopped if the
discomfort is significant or cannot be alleviated.
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Philips Scanner |
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Sign-up!
If you are interested in
participating in a NIMLAB brain imaging study, please complete the
Participant
Recruitment Form (offsite link). The form will open in a
new window.
If you want to learn more about transcranial magnetic stimulation
(TMS) click this link.
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