Unlocking the Hidden World of the Brain: A Journey with Magnetic Resonance Imaging

• Speaker: Gonzalo Alvarez, Centro Atómico Bariloche & Instituto Balseiro

Ever wondered how we can explore the secrets of the brain without invasive procedures? In this seminar we will embark on a journey into the hidden world of the brain using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). I will introduce the basics of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), explaining how this non-invasive tool allows us to see inside our brains, comprehend their functioning, and diagnose diseases without the need for surgery.

While I will focus on the brain's intricacies, MRI is a versatile technique applicable to various organs, proving to be a valuable clinical tool for diseases like cancer. However, the challenge lies in the limited spatial resolution, hindering our ability to observe biological processes at microscopic scales.

Delving into the wonders of nuclear magnetic resonance, I will unveil how innovative imaging techniques push the boundaries, enabling us to study the brain's microstructures in unprecedented detail. By observing how water molecules move within our body tissues, we can extract morphological details at scales as small as micrometers and nanometers, using concepts from physics and even delving into the realm of quantum physics.

These breakthroughs hold the potential to revolutionize our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases, offering transformative diagnostic approaches in clinical settings. Yet, achieving this goal requires the collaboration of interdisciplinary research, bringing together the realms of physics, biology, neuroscience, and medicine. It is in this collaborative effort that science can truly produce innovations for a healthier future.