NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding brain tissue properties using advanced imaging techniques

Official title: Multiscale brain tissue finite element mechanical modeling to infer brain microstructural properties from magnetic resonance elastography

Funded at U.s. National Inst/child Hlth/human Dev · NIH-10712001 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how the stiffness of brain tissue can give us clues about brain health and diseases, using a special imaging technique to help create better ways to diagnose brain conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionU.s. National Inst/child Hlth/human Dev
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Bethesda, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2026
Funding year2023
NIH project number1FI2GM150429-01
Project IDNIH-10712001 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with neurological conditions or those at risk for brain diseases, as well as healthy volunteers for comparison.

Less likely to help

Patients with acute brain injuries or those who are unable to undergo MRI procedures may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how the mechanical properties of brain tissue relate to brain health and disease. By using a technique called magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), the study aims to measure the rigidity of brain tissue, which can indicate various health conditions. The researchers will develop detailed mechanical models of brain tissue that take into account both solid and fluid components, allowing them to better understand how these properties affect brain function. This approach could lead to improved diagnostic methods for brain-related conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools for assessing brain health and detecting diseases earlier.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies using similar imaging techniques have shown promise in understanding brain mechanics, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • U.s. National Inst/child Hlth/human Dev
    Bethesda, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Rey, Julian Alejandro — U.s. National Inst/child Hlth/human Dev
  • Study coordinator: Rey, Julian Alejandro

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About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.