Disclosed herein is a system useful for obtaining magnetic resonance imaging data of longterm tissue slice cultures that typically survive well beyond 12 hours after tissue procurement. The system comprises a first support member comprising a perimeter defining a first interior space and a second support member. The first and second support members are configured such that they can secure a substrate having a live tissue sample disposed thereon when said first and second support members are brought together. Further, the system comprises a chamber into which the first and second support members, when brought together, may be disposed. Also disclosed herein is a method of producing magnetic resonance imaging data from a live tissue sample, said method comprising obtaining a tissue sample comprising live cells, culturing said tissue sample under conditions to keep cells of said tissue alive for at least 12 hours, and subjecting said tissue sample to magnetic resonance imaging.