Creating a machine learning tool to analyze the velopharyngeal mechanism using MRI
Official title: Development of an MRI Guided Machine Learning Algorithm to Assess the Velopharyngeal Mechanism
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10992677 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to use MRI scans to help doctors better understand how the throat works in kids with cleft palate, so they can improve surgery and speech outcomes for those who have trouble with their speech.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $201,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DC021023-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10992677 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who have velopharyngeal or palatal anomalies, particularly those with repaired cleft palates.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have velopharyngeal dysfunction or related anatomical issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop an advanced machine learning algorithm that utilizes MRI technology to assess the velopharyngeal mechanism in children with conditions like cleft palate. By analyzing 3D images, the project seeks to better understand the anatomical features that contribute to velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD), which can lead to speech issues. The goal is to improve pre-operative assessments and surgical outcomes by providing a more objective and patient-specific evaluation of the VP anatomy. This innovative approach addresses the limitations of previous studies that relied on smaller sample sizes and less efficient analysis methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective surgical interventions for children with velopharyngeal dysfunction, improving their speech and overall quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While previous research has explored the anatomy of the velopharyngeal mechanism, this project represents a novel approach by integrating machine learning with advanced imaging techniques.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mason, Kazlin — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Mason, Kazlin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
STeroids and enhanced Antibiotics for sepsis in Africa with HIV/TB (STARS)
This grant tests whether adding steroids and stronger antibiotics helps adults with severe sepsis tied to HIV/TB in areas with high TB rates.
-
Steroids and better antibiotics for sepsis in people with AIDS in Africa
This study tests whether adding hydrocortisone and stronger antibiotics can improve survival for adults with sepsis who also have AIDS or advanced immune suppression in regions with high TB.
-
Predictive tools to improve pediatric donor heart use
A pediatric heart transplant grant is building data-driven tools to help doctors choose the best donor hearts for children.
-
Microglia Help Finish Seizures and Heal the Brain
Scientists are studying how brain immune cells (microglia) help end severe seizures and repair brain damage, with potential new ideas for people who have had status epilepticus.
-
Small molecules that boost the 20S proteasome to fight Alzheimer’s and related dementias
A new approach tests small molecules that activate the 20S proteasome to help neurons clear harmful proteins and slow the spread of disease in people affected by Alzheimer's and related dementias.
-
Advanced genome and transcriptome analysis with long-read sequencing
A researcher at a university is using long-read DNA and RNA sequencing to map complete genomes and transcriptomes for individuals to understand how genetic variations relate to disease risk.
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.