Quantum-Sensing MRI: Neuronal Firings in Human Brains under Finger-Tapping in a Wide Range of Ages

Motivation: The qsMRI has the potential for non-invasive detection of neuronal electrical activities (action potentials or firings) in the human brain. This emerging technique, however, is still in infant stage and needs more studies to show its potentials. Goal(s): This study explores whether qsMRI detects the change in neuronal firings during a finger-tapping task in a wide range of ages. Approach: A group of healthy subjects (27–84 years old) were studied on a 3T MRI scanner, using three tasks: finger-tapping, no tapping, and resting state. Results: Firing rate varied with age, and older people showed higher firing rate during tapping than resting. Impact: These positive results further demonstrated the potential of qsMRI to detect neuronal firings in humans, and will encourage researchers to use the technique in a wide range of studies on brain functions and neurological disorders including aging and Alzheimer’s disease.