High-resolution MRI to map brain and spinal cord connections
Integrated RF/Shim/WiFi Coil Array for High-Resolution Diffusion MRI in the Brain and Spinal Cord
This project is building a better MRI coil and imaging methods to create clearer maps of nerve pathways between the spinal cord and brain for people with neurological conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11252290 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will build an integrated radiofrequency, shimming, and wireless coil array and develop high-resolution diffusion MRI techniques to image spinal cord-to-brain pathways. They will address technical issues like breathing-related motion and magnetic field distortions that currently blur spinal cord images. The project combines new hardware, specialized imaging sequences, and image-processing software to preserve signal and reduce geometric distortions. If successful, these tools would produce much more detailed maps of spine-brain connections that could help guide targeted therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with spinal cord or brain disorders—such as chronic pain, movement disorders, or other conditions being considered for spinal cord stimulation—would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without spinal cord or brain conditions or anyone who cannot safely undergo MRI (for example due to incompatible implants or severe claustrophobia) are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could give clinicians much clearer maps of spinal cord–brain pathways to better target therapies such as spinal cord stimulation.
How similar studies have performed: Diffusion MRI has mapped brain connections in prior studies, but high-resolution spinal cord diffusion imaging with this integrated hardware/software approach is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Song, Allen W — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Song, Allen W
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.