Research

Brainstem ihMT

Application of neuromelanin MRI (NM-MRI) in the brainstem has been utilized in studies of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease. We successfully demonstrated ihMT MRI can be applied for assessment of NM and myelin in the brainstem. Presented at ISMRM's annual meeting.

ihMT MRI of glioblastoma

IhMT MRI was applied in a genetic mouse model of glioblastoma to assess the information it can provide on the true extent of tumor infiltration. Non-invasive MRI allowed longitudinal study in which a reduction in peripheral white matter ihMT indicated demyelinating processes associated with glioblastoma. Presented at ISMRM's annual meeting.

Research areas in MRI

Inhomogeneous Magnetization Transfer

The inhomogeneous Magnetization Transfer or ihMT MRI technique demonstrates great myelin sensitivity. We continue to develop ihMT for improved specificity to myelin, to demonstrate its utility, and extract quantitative metrics for objective analyses.

Preclinical Tissue Microstructure

MRI of ex-vivo tissue at high-resolution or MR microscopy allows investigation of pathologies and comparison with histology. Our projects relate to Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer's Disease using tissues ranging from the spinal cord, to the brainstem, and the cerebellum.

Hyperpolarized ¹³C

This method for dramatically increased signal allows dynamic interrogation of ¹³C metabolites. We have developed methods for acquisition of high-resolution data to extract images of metabolites, e.g. ¹³C tert-butanol for cardiac perfusion.