One MRI scan that images brain and spinal cord activity at the same time
MB-SWIFT as a novel approach for simultaneous functional imaging of the brain and spinal cord
A new MRI method called MB‑SWIFT captures activity in both the brain and spinal cord during a single scan to help people with spinal cord injury, chronic pain, neurodegenerative disease, or age-related changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11472058 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would have an MRI using a new zero echo‑time pulse sequence (MB‑SWIFT) that is designed to tolerate magnetic field differences and image distant areas like the brain and lumbar spinal cord at once. This approach avoids long, per‑slice shimming steps and the need for separate brain and spinal scans. The research team will compare the MB‑SWIFT images and functional signals to current imaging methods to see if it provides reliable whole‑CNS functional information. If successful, scans may be faster and give clearer pictures of how brain and spinal cord work together.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would include adults with spinal cord injury, chronic neuropathic pain, neurodegenerative disorders, older adults with age‑related CNS changes, and healthy volunteers who can safely undergo MRI.
Not a fit: People with MRI‑incompatible implants, severe claustrophobia, or unstable medical conditions that prevent safe MRI scans may not be able to participate or benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make MRI scans shorter and more comfortable while providing new information about brain–spinal cord function that could improve diagnosis and guide treatments for spinal cord injury, pain, and neurodegenerative conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work used dynamic per‑slice shimming and sequential imaging with limited coverage, while MB‑SWIFT's zero echo‑time simultaneous approach is novel and supported so far mainly by preliminary data.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Michaeli, Shalom — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Michaeli, Shalom
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.