Improving brain imaging techniques to better visualize small structures and tissue microstructure.
Official title: Developing next-generation imaging technologies for in-vivo mesoscale diffusion MRI and microstructure imaging
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11022685 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on improving a special type of brain scan called diffusion MRI, which helps doctors see the brain's structure and connections better, so they can get clearer images faster and make more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 20, 2024 |
| Project end | December 19, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $560,891 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EB036507-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11022685 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with neurological disorders who may benefit from improved imaging techniques.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not require advanced imaging or those who are unable to undergo MRI scans may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing diffusion MRI (dMRI), a non-invasive imaging method used to visualize brain structures and connectivity. The team aims to develop advanced imaging technologies that can detect small, critical brain fibers and measure tissue microstructure more effectively. By addressing current limitations such as low sensitivity and motion artifacts, the project seeks to provide clearer and more detailed images in a shorter scan time, which could significantly improve clinical diagnostics and treatment assessments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment planning for neurological conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing imaging techniques, but this approach aims to tackle specific challenges that have not been fully addressed before.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Fuyixue — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Wang, Fuyixue
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Global TravEpiNet: Pregnant Travelers Health and Disease Prevention Network
This grant supports a national network to improve health and prevent infections among international travelers, with a special focus on pregnant travelers.
-
Soluble ST2 and the course of lung injury in ARDS
A doctor-scientist at a top hospital is studying how a molecule called soluble ST2 may influence how lung injury starts and heals in patients with ARDS and related conditions.
-
Role of airway macrophages in lung health and allergic disease
A doctor-scientist at a major hospital wants to study how immune cells in the airways develop and influence asthma and other airway diseases.
-
Global TravEpiNet: Understanding and Protecting US Travelers, including Pregnant Travelers
A large U.S. network studies international travelers, including pregnant travelers, to understand illness risks and reduce the spread of infections.
-
Gait speed from wearable sensors to guide ALS trials
A patient-friendly look at using wearable sensors to measure how fast people with ALS walk, to help run better ALS trials.
-
Determinants of Post-Stroke Cognitive Outcomes and Vascular Effects on Recovery
A large, multi-site effort aims to understand why some stroke survivors develop long-term cognitive problems and dementia, and how vascular health and pre-existing brain changes influence recovery.
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.