Non-invasive brain maps of carbon dioxide, acidity (pH), and oxygen to pinpoint causes of lost brain function
Obtaining brain pCO2, pH and pO2 maps via measurements of neurovascular coupling: a novel non-invasive approach to identify the culprits of loss of brain function
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11190896
This project will develop new non-invasive brain imaging and math tools that map local carbon dioxide, pH (acidity), and oxygen to help people with unexplained loss of brain function.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11190896 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From my perspective as someone worried about brain problems, researchers will create advanced, non-invasive brain scans that use signals tied to blood flow and neural activity to estimate local CO2, pH, and oxygen levels. They will build mathematical models that translate those signals into maps of these chemical balances across brain regions. The team will validate and refine these methods so the maps are reliable and meaningful for interpreting brain function. Ultimately this approach aims to explain why some areas lose function even when oxygen seems adequate and to make fMRI readings easier to understand.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with unexplained cognitive decline, stroke-related deficits, traumatic brain injury, or other conditions where brain blood flow and function seem mismatched would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People whose conditions are unrelated to brain blood flow or metabolism, and anyone unable to undergo MRI (for example due to certain implants or severe claustrophobia), may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal hidden chemical causes of brain dysfunction and lead to better diagnosis and targeting of treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous imaging studies have measured blood flow and oxygen, but non-invasive mapping of brain CO2 and pH at this level is largely novel and untested in routine clinical use.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MANGIA, SILVIA — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Study coordinator: MANGIA, SILVIA
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.