A New Way to See Brain Metabolism with Advanced MRI
Novel 10.5 T deuterium-based MRS/I method to measure brain metabolism
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11141805
This project is creating an advanced MRI technique to better understand how the brain's chemistry changes in various brain disorders like cancer, dementia, and psychiatric conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11141805 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We are developing a special, non-invasive MRI tool that uses a very powerful 10.5 Tesla scanner to look at brain metabolism in a new way. This technique, called deuterium to proton exchange MRS, will allow us to measure and map the chemical processes happening in the human brain. By seeing these metabolic changes, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of what goes wrong in brain diseases. This could lead to earlier detection and more targeted treatments for many different brain conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with various brain disorders, including cancer, dementia, and psychiatric conditions, could eventually benefit from the insights gained through this advanced imaging technology.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by brain disorders or those seeking immediate treatment options may not directly benefit from this foundational tool development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new imaging tool could provide a clearer picture of brain chemistry, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments for a wide range of brain disorders.
How similar studies have performed: This project is developing a novel approach using the world's first ultra-high field 10.5 T human MRI scanner, representing an unprecedented way to study human brain metabolism.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MARJANSKA, MALGORZATA — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Study coordinator: MARJANSKA, MALGORZATA
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 below.
Conditions: Brain Diseases, Brain Disorders