CMRR Resources

The 10.5T magnet took 10 years from initial conception to the first human studies in December of 2017. Since then, RF coil technology developments have enabled the increased SNR to be used to push the boundaries of spatial resolution for MRI studies throughout the body; this is especially critical for taking the next steps in neuroscience research. This scanner is the highest whole body MRI system in the USA and worldwide is only second to an 11.7T system in Neurospin, France. 

The 7T MAGNETOM Terra was installed in 2020 and is a clinically approved imaging system for head and knee applications. Embedded in the world-renowned CMRR, this system also serves to support numerous biomedical and translational research projects.

The 7T MAGNETOM Plus system was the first actively shielded whole body 7T scanner in the world, brought online in 2011. This research scanner supports biomedical research both in the brain and in the body, supporting both core research of the Center as well as collaborative and service projects with intra- and extra-mural groups. This system also provides a key platform for engineering developments key to advancing technology critical to advancing the field of UHF MRI. 

Our 3T-A is a Prisma-fit system, originally installed as a TRIO system in October 2002 and upgraded in 2014. This is an FDA-approved scanner and serves the basic and translational MRI imaging needs for researchers across the University, as well as business partners from the local medical device industry. This system is ACR accredited for use in clinical translational studies.

The 3T-B system was acquired in 2012 and upgraded to a Siemens Prisma-fit in March 2014. This is an FDA-approved scanner and serves the basic and translational MRI imaging needs for researchers across the University, as well as business partners from the local medical device industry. This system is ACR accredited for use in clinical translational studies.

The 3T-C system is a Siemens Prisma scanner, installed in 2016. This is an FDA-approved scanner and currently serves the MRI imaging needs for high-volume neuroimaging projects, including the ABCD project and the HCP Aging, Development, Psychosis and Baby projects.

The 3T-D system is a Siemens Prisma scanner, managed by the CMRR but housed at the Minnesota Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB). This is an FDA-approved scanner and is currently used for MIDB-specific studies including the Healthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) study. 

The 9.4T animal scanner was the world’s first ultrahigh field system established at CMRR decades ago. It was recently upgraded to replace the outdated Varian console by the Bruker console as funded by the NIH high-end instrument grant (S10OD032192). It serves the basic and preclinical MRI, MRS, and MRS/I needs for research across the university as well as supporting national and international collaboration projects. 

The 16.4T animal scanner is the highest field, large size horizontal magnet bore system in the nation. It was recently upgraded to replace the outdated Varian console by the Bruker console as funded by the NIH high-end instrument grant (S10OD028712). It serves the basic and preclinical MRI, MRS and MRS imaging needs for research across the university as well as supporting national and international collaboration projects. 

The CMRR facility houses a Siemens Eclipse HP shielded cyclotron which is owned and operated by PETNET Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. This 4,051 sq. ft. facility is PETNET's Twin Cities manufacturing site of medical radioisotopes for University of Minnesota researchers and local hospitals and clinics.

The Siemens Biograph mCt PET/CT scanner is the most advanced scanner in the state of Minnesota. With an onsite Cyclotron from PetNet, CCIR can deliver the most advance imaging techniques and studies available.

The magnet design incorporates a very strong field gradient (~ 100 T/m) near the top of the magnet which is necessary for magnetic levitation. Levitation occurs when the magnetic force counterbalances the gravitational force and thus simulates orbital freefall. This instrument will provide a unique environment to process organic and inorganic materials and investigate biological materials, living and non-living, in a simulated microgravity environment.

The CMRR has a fully-equipped seminar room available for hosting workshops and events.

Support rooms are conveniently located in facility for consenting subjects, performing testing procedures and changing into gowns, as well as performing medical procedures, such as starting IV’s, monitoring vitals and administering medical testing.

MR Technologists are available to run 3T/7T scanners, assist with data collection, maintain equipment and troubleshoot scanner issues.