A new portable MRI system for diagnosing brain conditions.
Official title: A Portable, Liquid-Helium-Free 1-T/560-mm RT bore Point-of-Care MRI Magnet: Prototype Demonstration
Funded at Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-11029702 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new type of MRI machine that doesn't need liquid helium, so it can be used right at the bedside to quickly and accurately check for brain issues like strokes or injuries, making it easier for doctors to help patients in emergencies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $514,357 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EB036561-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11029702 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing symptoms of brain injuries, strokes, or neurodegenerative diseases who require immediate imaging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not require MRI imaging or those who are not experiencing acute symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a portable MRI magnet that operates without liquid helium, making it more accessible for point-of-care diagnostics. The innovative 1.0-T superconducting magnet aims to provide high-quality imaging for various brain conditions, including strokes, brain injuries, and neurodegenerative disorders. By enabling MRI scans at the bedside or in emergency situations, this technology could significantly improve the speed and accuracy of diagnoses. The project will involve prototype demonstrations to validate the effectiveness of this new MRI system in real-world clinical settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more accurate diagnoses of brain-related conditions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing portable MRI technologies, but this specific approach using a superconducting magnet is novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Park, Dongkeun — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Park, Dongkeun
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.