Simultaneous brain and spinal cord functional MRI using MB‑SWIFT
MB-SWIFT as a novel approach for simultaneous functional imaging of the brain and spinal cord
This project uses a new MRI method to capture functional images of the brain and spinal cord at the same time for people with spinal cord injury, chronic pain, or neurodegenerative conditions.
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-11234314 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will use a new MRI pulse sequence called MB‑SWIFT that is designed to be less affected by magnetic field unevenness and can collect images from the brain and spinal cord at the same time. Instead of spending extra time on shimming each slice, the method aims to capture two distant areas — for example the brain and lumbar spinal cord — in a single, simultaneous scan. The team will compare these scans to standard MRI approaches and refine the technique using functional imaging sessions and technical testing. The goal is to make it easier to study how the brain and spinal cord work together in conditions like spinal cord injury, chronic pain, aging, and neurodegenerative disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with spinal cord injury, chronic neuropathic pain, or neurodegenerative conditions who can safely undergo MRI scanning and lie still for imaging are the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People with MRI contraindications (for example pacemakers or certain metal implants), severe claustrophobia, or inability to tolerate lying still for scans may not be able to participate or benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide clearer, faster combined brain and spinal cord scans that improve understanding, diagnosis, and monitoring of spinal cord injury, pain, and neurodegenerative disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has used dynamic shimming or sequential brain/spine scans but those approaches are limited, and MB‑SWIFT is a newer zero‑echo‑time method with promising preliminary data but still relatively novel.
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.