Developing a new brain imaging system that combines MRI and magnetoencephalography without the need for cryogenics.
Official title: Non-cryogenic Fieldable Interleaved Magnetoencephalography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging based on Multichannel Atomic Magnetometers
Funded at Triad National Security, LLC · NIH-11084308 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to take pictures of the brain and measure its activity at the same time, which could help doctors better understand and treat brain conditions like epilepsy, making it easier for patients to get the care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Triad National Security, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Alamos, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $462,065 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB032895-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084308 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with brain disorders such as epilepsy or those requiring neurosurgical evaluation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurological conditions or those who do not require brain imaging will likely not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a novel, non-cryogenic system that allows for simultaneous measurements of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) of the human brain. By using advanced atomic magnetometers instead of traditional superconducting sensors, this approach aims to provide clearer insights into brain activity and structure without the complications of cryogenic cooling. This technology could significantly enhance the diagnosis and treatment of various brain disorders, including epilepsy, by linking brain activity to specific anatomical structures with high precision. Patients may benefit from improved neurosurgical planning and better understanding of their brain conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatments for brain disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the combination of MEG and MRI has been explored, this specific non-cryogenic approach using atomic magnetometers is novel and has not been widely tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Triad National Security, LLC
Los Alamos, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Young Jin — Triad National Security, LLC
- Study coordinator: Kim, Young Jin
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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.