Research methods

Question 1

What happens in contrast X-Ray techniques?

Answer 1

1) Contrast injected providing contrast between different bodily compartments
(Usually contrast between intra and extra vascular)

Question 2

What happens in an MRI?

Answer 2

1) Energy in via radiofrequency waves
2) Energy absorbed and emitted allowing to see position of H atoms in H20 in body
3) Build detailed structure of the brain

Question 3

How does fMRI differ?

Answer 3

1) Alter scanner to be sensitive to blood and the way energy absorbed/emitted
2) Scanner made sensitive to iron
3) Picks upon oxygenation of blood in tissue (BOLD)

Question 4

How does a PET scan work?

Answer 4

1) Contrast targeted to biological process wanted to image
2) Chemical with radioisotope complementary to target
3) inject tracer and detect emitted radiation to see where coming from

Question 5

What are EEG’s used for?

Answer 5

Indication of regional brain activity underlying electrodes (Good temporal resolution) and see response to stimuli

Question 6

What are the 3 principles for invasive research in animals?

Answer 6

1) Replacement (another method?)
2) Refinement (Done in a better way?)
3) Reduction (Smaller # of animals?)