University of Arizona celebrates new AI-powered MRI and BIO5 Brain & Body Imaging Center

In early September, dozens of University of Arizona researchers and community leaders gathered to celebrate the installation of two of the most advanced MRI systems available today. 

They represent a leap in non-invasive imaging. The AI-driven machines open new possibilities for treating neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as expanding the capabilities for imaging the heart, lungs, liver, even for patients with metallic implants. 

“These MRI systems represent a strategic investment in technologies that harness artificial intelligence to improve human health,” said Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, senior vice president for research and partnerships. “By pairing these state-of-the-art tools with U of A's transdisciplinary expertise, we are accelerating innovation in discovery, diagnosis and treatment. This is how we deliver on the promise of AI-driven healthcare.”

Both MRIs are housed in the Translational Bioimaging Resource (TBIR), a university-wide core supported by the Office of Research and Partnerships (ORP). With expanded research facilities, TBIR now provides researchers across campus with broader access to advanced imaging tools and expertise. 

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Building on that momentum, more than 30 researchers launched the new BIO5 Brain & Body Imaging Center (BBIC), uniting their expertise to maximize the impact of the new technology. 

These milestones were made possible by federal and institutional investment, industry partnership, and years of cross-campus collaboration. That collective effort set the stage for this year’s celebration of two state-of-the-art MRI systems and the center. 

Two new MRIs, one bold vision 

A few years ago, the National Institutes of Health awarded University of Arizona researchers a $2 million grant to purchase a powerful new Siemens MRI for brain research. At the time, the university’s only research-dedicated MRI was booked solid, limiting opportunities for studies across campus. 

In March 2025, the Siemens MAGNETOM Cima.X 3T—the company’s most advanced system for brain imaging—was installed. 

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Just months later, the Siemens MAGNETOM Free.Max 0.55T, designed to expand the capabilities of whole-body imaging, was added. 

“What excites me most is knowing our researchers now have the very best possible MRI equipment so they can generate the best possible data for their studies” said Ted Trouard, professor emeritus of biomedical engineering and professor of medical imaging, and principal investigator on the NIH grant. 

These milestones were made possible through federal investment from the National Institutes of Health, in partnership with Siemens Healthineers, and with support from the Office of Research and Partnerships, University of Arizona Health Sciences, the Colleges of Engineering, Medicine – Tucson, and Science, the University of Arizona Cancer Center, and the BIO5 Institute.  

Together with existing TBIR technologies, the new MRIs bring unique yet complementary strengths to advance brain and body imaging. 

AI at the core of imaging advances 

Artificial intelligence drives both systems. It sharpens images, shortens scan times, and reveals more detailed patterns.  

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These advances tie directly into the university’s broader AI + Health initiative to transform diagnosis, personalize treatment, and improve care across Arizona. 

“AI is already making a huge difference in imaging, especially in how we reconstruct and analyze data,” said Lee Ryan, professor of psychology, radiology and imaging sciences, and neurology, and director of the Brain & Body Imaging Center. “Both systems pair new hardware with AI-driven methods so we can see more, faster.” 

Sharper brain imaging for Alzheimer’s and more 

The Siemens Cima.X 3T is designed for brain imaging and produces ultra-high-resolution scans faster than ever before.  

Building on the AI-driven advances already noted, the Cima.X 3T reduces scan time so patients spend less time in the machine while researchers collect more data.  

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One powerful example is a scan that tracks how water moves through brain tissue, helping researchers study connections and changes linked to Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological conditions. 

Expanding access for body imaging 

“Scanning at lower fields is advantageous for lung imaging. One project, recently funded by the Arizona Biomedical Research Centre, will use the Free.Max 0.55T and quantitative MRI methods developed by our team at the University of Arizona to look at the difference between Valley fever nodules and lung cancer,” said Maria Altbach, professor of radiology, imaging sciences, and biomedical engineering, and MRI expert on body imaging. “This could spare patients from invasive procedures like lung biopsies.” 

The cost of the magnet and its installation is significantly lower compared to high field scanners, extending the capabilities of MRI to communities with limited resources.

New hub for interdisciplinary imaging 

Machines matter, but people make breakthroughs. While TBIR provides the equipment at the University of Arizona, BBIC brings together faculty, trainees, technicians, and industry experts and their knowledge to drive innovation. 

“We’ve built a strong imaging community at the University of Arizona over the past several decades, and the Brain & Body Imaging Center gives us a centralized place to come together to share resources, apply for grants, and exchange interdisciplinary expertise,” said Ryan. “And I want to emphasize our name—our technology and people allow us to connect brain health to different parts of the body like never before.” 

As part of the BIO5 Institute, the center strongly reflects the institute’s mission to connect disciplines and accelerate discovery. 

“The BIO5 Brain & Body Imaging Center empowers ‘convergent science,’ where engineers, clinicians, neuroscientists, and data scientists innovate together on problems no single field could solve,” said Vignesh Subbian, associate professor of biomedical engineering and interim director of the BIO5 Institute. 

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Equally important, the center will train the next generation of imaging scientists and clinicians in the latest technologies and AI-driven methods. It will not only accelerate current research but spark new questions and collaborations.