University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers, including experts from the Center for Healthy Minds (CHM), are conducting detailed brain imaging work using one of the first head-only, highly specialized MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scanners in the world.

Researchers’ advantage comes from access to a powerful MRI scanner called the “SIGNA MAGNUS” (Microstructure Anatomy Gradient for Neuroimaging with Ultrafast Scanning). It’s capable of efficiently capturing precise, high-resolution images of the human brain, which can help detect abnormalities that traditional MRI machines may miss.

The MAGNUS is housed at UW’s Waisman Center is just one of six in the world used for research. The others are located in the U.S., London, U.K., and China.  

It's used in two current CHM studies. One study, led by CHM Founder and Director Dr. Richard Davidson and Dr. Giulio Tononi at UW’s Wisconsin Institute of Sleep and Consciousness, is investigating flexible thinking, emotion, and sleep and how simple meditation practices might be boosted by non-invasive neurostimulation during sleep to help reduce the risk for suicide. 

“The MAGNUS positions us well for cutting edge research on brain circuits that support human flourishing,” Davidson explained. “We are thrilled to have this facility on campus.”

Another study, led by CHM Core Faculty Dr. Melissa Rosenkranz, examines how inflammation affects brain health and long-term risk for dementia.

“The advanced capabilities of the MAGNUS allow us to acquire data that we hope will shed light on whether increased inflammation in the body causes an increase in activation of immune cells in the brain,” Rosenkranz says. 

On campus, 32 projects across six departments utilize the MAGNUS MRI scanner, according to staff at the Waisman Brain Imaging Core. Since the scanner became operational in 2023, WBIC team members were featured in an in-depth article from GE HealthCare (GEHC) on how the system is advancing UW research, including efforts to improve brain imaging for infants.

Dr. Tom Foo, chief scientist at GEHC and UW–Madison doctoral graduate, led research on development of the MAGNUS. He said in an email that he was excited that it was installed at the Waisman Center to support research at UW.

The MAGNUS system was originally developed through a grant from the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs to GEHC, in collaboration with the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and the Uniformed Services University. 

Featured photo: The SIGNA MAGNUS specialized head-only MRI scanner, housed at UW’s Waisman Center. Credit: Waisman Center

Disclaimer from GE HealthCare: The SIGNA MAGNUS is FDA cleared in the U.S. Not CE Marked and not available for sale in all regions.

By Victoria Vlisides, CHM digital content editor