Assaf Gilad

Abstract Purpose: To optimize a 100 msec pulse for producing CEST MRI contrast and evaluate in mice. Methods: A gradient ascent algorithm was employed to generate a family of 100 point, 100 msec pulses for use in CEST pulse trains. Gradient ascent optimizations were performed for exchange rates = 500 s-1, 1,500 s-1, 2,500 s-1, 3,500 s-1 and 4,500 s-1 and offsets = 9.6, 7.8, 4.2 and 2.0 ppm.

Abstract Magnetoreceptive biology as a field remains relatively obscure; compared to the breadth of species believed to sense magnetic fields, it remains under-studied. Here, we present grounds for the expansion of magnetoreception studies among Teleosts. We begin with the electromagnetic perceptive gene (EPG) from Kryptopterus vitreolus and expand to identify 72 Teleosts with homologous proteins containing a conserved three-phenylalanine (3F) motif.

Abstract The ability to modulate specific neural circuits and simultaneously visualize and measure brain activity with MRI would greatly impact understanding brain function in health and disease. The combination of neurostimulation methods and MRI in animal models have already shown promise in elucidating fundamental mechanisms associated with brain activity. We developed an innovative magnetogenetics neurostimulation technology that can trigger neural activity through magnetic fields.