What's Happening?
A recent study has developed a motion compensated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique for active sun beetles using an in situ treadmill setup. The treadmill allows the beetle to move freely while
maintaining a fixed body orientation, enabling MRI experiments without the confounding effects of anesthesia. The setup includes a 3D printed structure and an optical imaging system to track the beetle's motion. This innovative approach aims to improve the accuracy of MRI imaging in small animals by minimizing motion artifacts.
Why It's Important?
This advancement in MRI technology is significant as it addresses the challenge of imaging small, active animals without the need for anesthesia, which can alter physiological responses. The ability to conduct accurate MRI scans on freely moving subjects could enhance research in animal physiology and behavior, providing more reliable data for studies in neuroscience and other fields. This technique could also be adapted for use in other small animal models, potentially improving the quality of preclinical research.
