Improved brain chemical scans using standard 3T MRI
Universal Edited MRS at 3T
['FUNDING_R01'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11311332
This project makes MRI scans better at seeing multiple low-level brain chemicals for people from infancy through older adulthood.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11311332 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If I join, researchers will use an advanced MRI technique called Hadamard-encoded edited MRS on standard 3T scanners to measure several low-concentration brain chemicals in a single scan. They will extend the protocol used in a large infant study to people across the whole lifespan to map how these chemicals change with development and aging. The team will address artifacts called out-of-voxel echoes by optimizing scan settings, improving data models, and building real-time detection so the scanner can adjust during the exam. They will also update and share the software so the method works across different MRI machines and sites.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates include infants, children, adolescents, adults, and older adults who are willing and able to undergo research MRI scans on a 3T scanner.
Not a fit: People who cannot have an MRI (for example, because of incompatible implants, severe claustrophobia, or refusal to undergo scanning) are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could let clinicians detect subtle brain chemical changes earlier and measure treatment or development effects more accurately.
How similar studies have performed: Related edited MRS methods have shown promise in prior work and have been used in the HBCD infant study, but applying them across the whole lifespan and resolving out-of-voxel echo issues is a novel advance.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: EDDEN, RICHARD ANTHONY EDWARD — JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: EDDEN, RICHARD ANTHONY EDWARD
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.