Using advanced MRI to understand lung function in young adults
Official title: Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI to identify structural determinants of low lung function and respiratory symptoms in young adults from the Lung Health Cohort
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11072037 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special type of MRI can help find early signs of lung problems in young adults aged 25 to 35, so we can better understand lung health and prevent future issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | June 16, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $699,316 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL168446-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072037 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are young adults aged 25 to 35 who may be experiencing respiratory symptoms or have concerns about their lung health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 25 to 35 or those without respiratory symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how advanced hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI can help identify early signs of lung disease in young adults aged 25 to 35. By examining lung structure and function, the study aims to uncover factors that contribute to low lung function and respiratory symptoms. Participants will undergo specialized imaging that can visualize the smallest airspaces in the lungs, providing insights that traditional methods may miss. The research is part of a larger effort to understand lung health and prevent chronic lung diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and better management of chronic lung diseases in young adults.
How similar studies have gone: Similar imaging techniques have shown promise in other studies, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights into lung health.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Niedbalski, Peter James — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Niedbalski, Peter James
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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.