Developing compact MRI technology to improve accessibility worldwide
Official title: Breakthrough Technology to Expedite the Democratization of High Field MRI
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11124390 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, smaller MRI machine that uses less powerful magnets to make MRI scans easier to get, especially in places where medical resources are limited, while also improving the quality of the images and keeping costs down.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $499,291 |
| NIH project number | 1R56EB033347-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11124390 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in remote or resource-limited areas who require MRI imaging for diagnosis or monitoring of health conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who already have access to high-quality MRI facilities and do not face barriers to imaging services may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new type of compact magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system that operates at mid-field strength (0.7 Tesla) to make MRI more accessible, especially in remote and resource-limited areas. The project aims to eliminate the need for large and expensive hardware components traditionally used in MRI systems, thereby reducing costs and increasing portability. By utilizing innovative technology called Frequency-modulated Rabi-Encoded Echoes, the research seeks to enhance the quality of MRI images while making them more affordable and easier to deploy in various settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase access to high-quality MRI imaging for patients in underserved regions, improving diagnosis and treatment options.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing portable MRI technologies, but this specific approach using Frequency-modulated Rabi-Encoded Echoes is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garwood, Michael — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Garwood, Michael
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating biological markers related to human reproduction and development
This study is looking at how different factors in our bodies affect reproduction and the health of children and teens, and it's for anyone interested in understanding more about these important topics by analyzing samples like blood and urine without changing anything in their daily lives.
-
AI-powered liver cancer screening using ultrasound blood flow patterns
A new AI-based method analyzes liver blood flow signals to help detect liver cancer early in people with liver disease, especially in settings with limited resources.
-
Caregiver-led mobile tool to support healthy habits for kids treated for ALL
A caregiver-directed mobile program helps children who were treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia build healthier daily routines.
-
Understanding how survivorship care plans affect health outcomes for cancer survivors
A study will look at whether survivorship care plans help reduce deaths and improve health for adults who have survived cancer.
-
Understanding the experience of ovarian cancer after diagnosis to improve survivorship
This NIH grant funds a mixed-methods study to better understand physical and emotional challenges faced by ovarian cancer survivors and how supportive care can help them live better after diagnosis.
-
Minnesota Population Center: a hub for migration, family and community data science
A university research center helps researchers study population dynamics by sharing data, training researchers, and communicating findings to diverse audiences.
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.