Improving brain imaging with advanced SPECT technology
Official title: High-performance SPECT for dynamic brain imaging
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10912817 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, portable brain scanner that takes clear pictures of the brain to help doctors better diagnose and track conditions like Alzheimer's disease, all while keeping radiation exposure low 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 | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $604,714 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB034785-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912817 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia who require brain imaging for diagnosis or treatment monitoring.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to brain imaging or those who do not require imaging for their diagnosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new portable Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) scanner specifically designed for dynamic brain imaging. The goal is to achieve high resolution and sensitivity in brain imaging, which is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring conditions like Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. By utilizing innovative detector technology, the project aims to create a scanner that can provide clearer images while using lower radiation doses, making it safer for patients. This advancement could facilitate more effective longitudinal studies and better patient management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and safer brain imaging techniques for diagnosing and monitoring Alzheimer's disease and other neurological conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in improving imaging technologies, but this specific approach using portable SPECT for dynamic brain imaging is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sabet, Hamid — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Sabet, Hamid
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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.