Improving ultrasound surgeries for brain diseases using a new iron-based medium
Official title: Iron Based Coupling Media (IBCM) for MRI-guided Transcranial Ultrasound Surgeries
Funded at Brigham Young University · NIH-10894093 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to make a noninvasive brain treatment more accurate for people with conditions like Alzheimer's, brain cancer, and movement disorders by using a special iron-based material, which could help improve their treatment results.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham Young University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Provo, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $446,451 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB032773-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894093 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, brain cancer, or movement disorders who may benefit from ultrasound surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not require or are not suitable for ultrasound surgery may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of transcranial magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound surgery (tMRgFUS) for treating various neurological conditions. By developing a new iron-based coupling medium, the study aims to improve the accuracy of MRI guidance during these noninvasive procedures. This could lead to better outcomes for patients undergoing treatment for conditions like Alzheimer's disease, brain cancer, and movement disorders. The approach seeks to eliminate errors caused by traditional coupling media that can hinder the precision of the ultrasound treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the efficacy of noninvasive brain surgeries, leading to better patient outcomes and reduced complications.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of ultrasound surgery is established, the specific application of an iron-based coupling medium is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested in prior research.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham Young University
Provo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Allen, Steven P — Brigham Young University
- Study coordinator: Allen, Steven P
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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.