1 May 2012

We recently started to examine the relationship between mathematical abilities and brain development. We are the first to scan children at Oxford Centre for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain (FMRIB), and so far it is a good experience for the children and the scientists! Tabitha (8 years old), one of our young participants, was inspired to make a cardboard model of an MRI scanner after her experience, which we think is a remarkable piece of art. As you can see in the picture, she took great care in adding a colourful pillow and a blanket, and it comes with a slidable bed. Tabitha said: 'I enjoyed it although I felt a bit nervous at the beginning. There were lots of funny noises I could hear. It was quite funny that I could see the film in the mirror.'