Detection of Neuronal Firings in Motor Cortex of Humans under a Task of Finger-Tapping via Quantum-Sensing MRI

Motivation: Functional MRI techniques such as DIANA have been controversial in direct detection of neuronal electrical activities (firings) due to tiny difference between task vs. resting state. Quantum-sensing (qs) MRI is an emerging non-BOLD fMRI technique that has the potential for the direct detection. Goal(s): To explore whether qsMRI detects neuronal firings during a task of finger-tapping. Approach: A group of healthy subjects (age 27-84 years) was studied on a 3T MRI scanner. Results: The qsMRI was able to detect firings, with older people showing higher firing rate during tapping than resting. Impact: This positive outcome will encourage researchers to use the qsMRI in a wide range of studies on brain functions and neurological disorders including normal aging and Alzheimer's disease.