Q. Who are the people at BDIL?
A. We are members of the Brain Development Imaging Lab at San Diego State University. Professor Ralph-Axel Mueller is the head of the lab, and our members include postdoctoral scientists, Masters and PhD students, post-baccalaureate researchers, and undergraduate students. You can read more about us by clicking on People.
Q. What are you studying?
A. Generally speaking, at the Brain Development Imaging Lab, we study how the brain develops as we grow up, allowing us to pay attention to things, communicate with other people, and move our bodies the way we want to. We also study how these things are different in people with developmental disorders like autism, and in people who have had a brain injury.
Q. Who can participate?
A. We are looking for healthy people ages 6-50 years. Research participants should have normal or corrected-to-normal vision (contact lenses are fine, glasses may be okay). We currently do not include participants with a history of learning disorders, neurological or psychiatric disorders, chronic drug use, or drug dependence. Participants may not have any metal in or on their bodies that cannot be removed. However minor dental work is no problem. We carefully screen all participants over the phone before scheduling a visit, so if you are unsure whether you meet these criteria we can discuss these questions with you over the phone.
Q. What is an MRI scanner?
A. An MRI scanner is a very strong magnet shaped like a long tube. It lets us take highly detailed  pictures of your brain, and we can measure how hard different parts of your brain are working when you’re doing different tasks like looking at pictures, hearing sounds, or paying attention to different things. During the MRI scan, you lie on a bed that slides into the scanner so that your head and most of your body are in the tube. While the pictures are being taken, you need to lie very still. You won’t feel anything, but the scanner does make some loud noises. We give you earplugs and headphones to wear so that the noises don’t bother you.
Q. What will I be asked to do?
A. The answer to this question depends on which study you do. You can read a little about our current studies by clicking on the "Current Projects" link to the left. Also, the researcher will always explain exactly what is involved in a study before you are asked to do it.
In general, you will be asked to lie very still in the MRI scanner for about 1 hour. During some of that time, you will simply relax while detailed pictures of your brain are taken. For other parts of the time, you will be asked to do some kind of task while you are lying in the scanner. We’ll take different kinds of pictures of your brain so that we can see what parts of your brain you are using to do the tasks. The tasks usually involve looking at pictures or words or hearing sounds, and making responses by pressing a button or saying words.
For some studies, you may be asked to come in for a visit some time before the MRI scan. During that visit you would practice some tasks or try out a “mock MRI scanner” to get a feel for what the MRI scan will be like.
Q. How long will it take?
A. The answer to this question also depends on which study you do. Usually, a visit for an MRI scan would last about 1.5 hours, including the time to give you instructions and get you set up in the MRI scanner plus the time for the actual MRI scan.
Q. Are there any risks?
A. There are no known risks associated with being in an MRI scanner. It is just a strong magnet, so you are not exposed to radiation the way that you are with an X-ray. Our studies have been reviewed and funded by the National Institutes of Health. All of our studies have also been carefully reviewed and approved by “Internal Review Boards” at San Diego State University and the University of California, San Diego, to make sure that they are safe. Before you participate in any study, you will receive a consent form to sign that will also inform you of all your rights.
A few people don’t like the feeling of being in the MRI scanner, or the noises that it makes. A few get uncomfortable from staying still for so long, get bored while all the pictures are being taken, or don’t like the tasks that they are asked to do. We do everything we can to make people comfortable during the MRI scan, and to keep it as short as possible, so most people don’t mind it. Many people actually find the experience very interesting! But if you don’t like being in the MRI scanner you can come out at any time.
Q. What are the benefits of participating?
A. By participating in a research study, you will be helping to advance science! This is an important benefit, and one that  could someday help to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities and brain damage. We also think that this will be an exciting chance for you to learn about the brain and about some of the scientific research that is going on in your community.
But there’s more. You will receive a picture of your own brain to take home with you, and we can point out differentparts of your brain and what they do. We’ll also pay you $15 per hour for your time, and will cover the cost of driving or public transportation.
Q. Where are the studies done?
A. All of the MRI scans are done at the Center for fMRI at the University of San Diego, California, located in La Jolla. Other visit(s), if there are any, may be at UCSD or at San Diego State University. The researcher in charge of the study you sign up for will give you detailed information about how to get to the appropriate lab.
Q. When can I do the studies?
A. We try our best to be very flexible with scheduling. We know students are very busy, so we are willing to work with you to come up with a convenient time. Weekends, evenings, and school holidays are fine with us!
Q. What if I have more questions?
A. We would be happy to answer any questions that you have. You can call our Participant Hotline at (619) 594-3574.
Q. How do I sign up?
A. If you’d like to sign up to participate in a study, please call our Participant Hotline at (619) 594-3574. We will then get back to you to give you details about a specific study and to set up an appointment. Thank you for your interest!
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