Understanding how water moves in brain tissue using MRI
Uncovering the time dependent diffusion coefficient in neural tissue with MRI
This study is looking at how water moves in the brain over time to help us understand its structure better, and it's for anyone interested in improving diagnosis for brain conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10892115 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to explore how the movement of water in brain tissue changes over time, which can provide insights into the microstructure of the brain. By using advanced MRI techniques, the study will investigate how factors like axon diameter and the arrangement of brain cells affect water diffusion. The researchers will conduct simulations and validate their findings using animal models, ultimately aiming to establish baseline measurements in healthy individuals. This could lead to better diagnostic tools for various neurological conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with neurological conditions that affect brain tissue structure.
Not a fit: Patients with stable neurological conditions that do not involve changes in brain microstructure may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the diagnosis and differentiation of neurological diseases, leading to more effective treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding diffusion in neural tissue, but this approach aims to provide novel insights into the underlying microstructural characteristics.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harkins, Kevin D — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Harkins, Kevin D
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.