Translational Bioimaging Resource (TBIR)
Bioscience Research Laboratory
1230 N Cherry Ave.
Tucson AZ, 85719
TBIR serves as a university-wide resource for pre-clinical biomedical imaging. The resource has the capability to image small biological constructs, small and large animals, and humans. For imaging small biological constructs and small animals the TBIR includes intra-vital microscopy, MRI, ultrasound, CT, PET, SPECT, and bioluminescence. For imaging larger animals and humans the resource includes MRI and ultrasound. The resource includes personnel to help you with project development and to help you use the equipment. Please contact TBIR@arizona.edu to learn more about TBIR's imaging resources and services.
Visit this link for facility access : https://bbic.arizona.edu/resources/mri-facility-access
MRI Facility
The MRI facility is part of the Translational Bioimaging Resource (TBIR) and is housed in the basement of the Biosciences Research Labs (BSRL) building.
The Siemens Skyra 3T has Syngo MR VE11c software (as of Nov 14, 2018). 7 new licenses have been installed (3D ASL, Abd Dot, Freeze IT, Liver Lab, Multiband, MyoMaps, Resolve, SMS). In addition, several WIPs (beta sequences) have been updated to work with the new VE11C software. A 32 channel head coil and a 20 channel head coil are available.
Please treat all the equipment carefully! This equipment is a shared resource that is used daily (and sometimes nightly) by multiple labs. The equipment is highly specialized and, therefore, very expensive, and many components and cables are fragile.
We have tried to set the computer and the equipment up in a way that will work for everyone. If there is anything that doesn't work or that could be set up better, please get in touch with Scott Squire (ssquire@arizona.edu), the head MRI technician.
In general, someone who weighs over 300 pounds and is not that tall probably will not fit comfortably in the bore.
You are expected to abide by the TBIR Code of Conduct. Please read it.
Download a copy of the MRI screening form.
Take the MRI Scanner Virtual Tour
TBIR New Scanners Update
A new Siemens 3T scanner was installed in March 2025 and will be available for use later this year. We will have updates on this state-of-the-art machine coming soon!
A lower strength 0.55T scanner is also expected later in 2025.
Small Animal Imaging
The TBIR Small Animals Facility supports does small animal MR and PET/MR imaging.
The Lab manages a 7T Bruker Biospec research MRI scanner and a newly established PET/MRI capability. With these modalities, users can perform physiological and functional imaging of soft tissue anatomy, tumor growth, angiogenesis, cellularity, inflammation, myelination, myocardial function, early therapeutic effects, extracellular pH, redox state, and other applications. 3D anatomical imaging of soft tissues is performed at up to ~300 μm resolution. The facility has technical support to aid in surgical procedures and anesthesia, protocol modifications and compliance, safety training, and consultations.
The PET/MRI insert by Cubresa, Inc. enables evaluation of tumor therapy response through diffusion-weighted MRI with PET tracers specific for tumor proliferation, improved tumor detection through diffusion-weighted and T2-weighted MRI with PET tracers for specific biomarkers, evaluations of drug delivery and perfusion for molecular theranostics evaluations.
The Lab regularly works with researchers in the University of Arizona’s College of Science, College of Medicine, and College of Pharmacy, as well as industry partners dedicated to research and development in biomedicine and oncology.
High-Resolution Ultrasound Imaging
HRUF provides small-animal ultrasound imaging with axial resolution down to 30 microns. With the VisualSonics Vevo 2100, as well as data management and analysis software, the system can be used for biomedical research and material characterization.
The HRUF regularly works with researchers in the UA’s College of Medicine, Arizona Cancer Center, Sarver Heart Center, College of Optical Sciences, and College of Engineering, as well as a variety of industry partners, that participate in biomedical research and material characterization.
Pre-Clinical MRI
The Magnetic Resonance Research Facility (MRRF) supports MRI research within the University community and for industry partners in pharmaceuticals, health care, veterinary care, and behavioral sciences. The MRRF regularly works with researchers in the UA’s College of Science and College of Medicine, among others, as well as industry partners in pharmaceuticals, health care, veterinary care, and behavioral sciences.
The MRRF is able to support work that addresses a wide range of research questions, including questions related to arthritis, traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, cancer treatment efficacy, depression, kidney transplant viability, CPR, Alzheimer’s, complex grief, and healthy aging.