Brain imaging that detects chemical signals
Toward functional molecular neuroimaging using vasoactive probes in human subjects
A new type of imaging probe used with MRI aims to reveal specific chemical signals and activity in the human brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11172648 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be helping develop tiny chemical probes (called vasoprobes) that change local blood-flow signals so MRI and other scanners can detect specific molecules in the brain. The team will combine these probes with MRI and may also use optical or ultrasound imaging to map neurotransmitters and other signals across the whole brain. Early work focuses on making the probes safe, sensitive, and visible at the scales needed for noninvasive use in people. Participation could include screening, imaging visits at the research site, and routine safety checks.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults who are eligible for MRI—this may include healthy volunteers and people with neurological conditions who meet the site's safety and enrollment criteria.
Not a fit: People who cannot undergo MRI (for example, those with certain implanted metal devices, severe claustrophobia, or pregnancy) may not be able to participate or benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could allow clinicians and researchers to see chemical signaling in the living human brain without surgery, improving diagnosis and treatment planning.
How similar studies have performed: Conventional fMRI and PET show brain activity or metabolism but lack molecular specificity, and this vasoprobe approach is novel with limited prior testing in humans.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jasanoff, Alan — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Jasanoff, Alan
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.