The research on the clinical and preclinical systems at MPI is focused on detection of neuronal activity and connectivity, as well as on the neurochemistry of the brain. This requires the development of new MRI methods, which permit highly specific and quantitative mapping of neuronal activity and bioenergetic processes in nerve cells. Faster image acquisition and better image quality also form part of the research objective. This also includes improvement and development of MR Hardware. The high magnetic field strengths provide the possibility to apply high resolution spectroscopic MR methods. These techniques permit to obtain more precise insights in the chemical processes in the brain. For example, the function of neurotransmitters such as GABA or glutamate can be revealed in greater detail. In addition to hydrogen, the most frequently used nucleus in MRI, it is possible to use the signal from other MR active elements such as carbon, oxygen, fluorine, sodium or phosphorus. Such investigations are less feasible in devices with low magnetic fields, because of the much lower sensitivity and concentration of these nuclei compared to hydrogen.