On Feb. 4, a 7T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine was installed at USC Stevens Hall for Neuroimaging, home to the USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute.

To accommodate the machine’s magnet, which measures 27 cubic feet and weighs 22 tons (roughly the size of 30 elephants), a crane carefully lowered the magnet through a hatch in the imaging room roof.

This is the only 7T MRI machine of its kind in the world. With it, researchers can capture enhanced images of brain function and disease, allowing for cutting-edge science in Alzheimer’s disease, autism and epilepsy research.

For more photos from the installation, click here.

Meng Law, left, and Arthur Toga stand in front of a 7T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine, before it is installed in USC Stevens Hall on Feb. 4, 2017. (Photo/Ricardo Carrasco III)

A giant crane was used to lift a 7T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine into USC Stevens Hall. (Photo/Ricardo Carrasco III)

A 7T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine is installed through a hole in the roof at USC Stevens Hall. (Photo/Ricardo Carrasco III)

Roads were closed to facilitate the installation of a 7T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine at USC Stevens Hall. (Photo/Ricardo Carrasco III)