Cognitive Neuroscience Systems (CNS) Core Facility

The MRI research facility within Cognitive Neuroscience Systems Core (previously called the Brain Imaging Center) opened in 2008.  It is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art MRI equipment for studying the workings of the human brain.

Research in the Core is dedicated to expanding our knowledge of how the brain works and how injury can affect the brain and people's behavior.  Our hope is that this research will lead to better treatment and detection of diseases and disorders affecting the brain.

Visiting MU's Cognitive Neuroscience Systems Core Facility? Here you'll find information to ensure that your visit is as enjoyable as possible.

Helpful Information about the MU Cognitive Neuroscience Systems Core Facility

The Core was designed with research in mind and offers the following resources/facilities in order to make your experience as enjoyable as possible:

  • Friendly, well-trained MRI staff that have extensive experience working with autism and other developmental conditions.
  • The MRI scanner and control equipment are housed in large, open, well-lit spaces.
  • A large observation window and a 2-way Communication System that allows you to be able to see, hear, and speak with us at any point during the examination.
  • Specially-designed headphones which you can wear and substantially reduce the noise of the MRI scanner.  [Additional earplugs are also available upon request.]
  • State-of-the-art audio and visual systems that allow you to watch movies or listen to the radio during the examination.
  • The Core also houses a replica of the MRI scanner that can be used to show you what it will be like in the real MRI scanner and to give you practice at lying still while in a scanner.
  • A complimentary copy of a storybook covering a day at the core is available and will introduce you to our facility and research team prior to your visit.
  • Similarly, we are happy to provide anyone with an audio CD containing the various sounds that you will hear during the MRI examination.  [The MRI machine makes tapping and thumping sounds when it is recording images.]  Together with the storybook, this CD can help prepare you for what to expect during the visit.

Click here to visit the MU Cognitive Neuroscience Systems Core Facility Website