Functional Neuroimaging at Ultra-High Magnetic Field.
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: School of Life Sciences
Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is widely used to study brain function. Most fMRI is carried out in magnets of 1.5T or 3T field strength. However, we will shortly be taking delivery of the first 7T MRI scanner in Europe. It will improve substantially the sensitivity of fMRI and open up exciting new areas of research. For instance, instead of studying repeated trials of an event, the increased sensitivity will allow us to study a single trial. This will make it possible to undertake studies of learning and of isolated events such as hallucinations, as well as of the response of the brain to pharmaceutical agents. The increased sensitivity will also be used to produce extremely high resolution images, allowing us to study detailed brain anatomy in vivo. In addition,we will be able to make new and more precise measurements of blood flow and volume, and also metabolism in the brain. This will help us to understand the mechanisms that underpin brain function, enabling us to develop the quantitative MR measures of brain activity that are essential if fMRI is to realise its full potential. However MRI at 7T will not be straightforward, and so we must develop new equipment and methods to exploit the potential of ultra-high magnetic field. We will also develop new methods of analyzing data for single trial and high resolution fMRI. The advantages of 7T will be exploited in studies of hearing, the control of movement and mental disorders, such as schizophrenia.
Through the University we are involved in many outreach and access activities. We give talks to schools, host visits by school children and contribute to schemes aimed at widening University access. We give talks to interested members of the public arranged through professional bodies or directly with local clubs and interest groups. We participate in the Researchers in Residence Scheme, where research scientists are placed in schools. Our web site is accessible to the general public: currently it includes resources for schools, the general public, MR specialists and other scientists. We use the normal scientific channels to disseminate our results, but our links to MR system manufacturers, and other collaborators ensure the transfer of our ideas to a wider user community. We train many research students, and our research informs our undergraduate teaching.
Through the University we are involved in many outreach and access activities. We give talks to schools, host visits by school children and contribute to schemes aimed at widening University access. We give talks to interested members of the public arranged through professional bodies or directly with local clubs and interest groups. We participate in the Researchers in Residence Scheme, where research scientists are placed in schools. Our web site is accessible to the general public: currently it includes resources for schools, the general public, MR specialists and other scientists. We use the normal scientific channels to disseminate our results, but our links to MR system manufacturers, and other collaborators ensure the transfer of our ideas to a wider user community. We train many research students, and our research informs our undergraduate teaching.
Technical Summary
The main thrust of our future development programme will be directed towards functional magnetic resonance imaging at ultra-high magnetic field (7T). These developments will bring unique advantages once the technical challenges involved in scanning at 7T have been addressed. In particular the significantly increased intrinsic signal to noise ratio, along with the enhanced BOLD (blood oxygenation level dependent) contrast at 7T, are expected to yield large gains in BOLD contrast to noise ratio (CNR). These gains will be of particular benefit to event related fMRI, where the sensitivity of single trial paradigms will be greatly enhanced. This will extend the use of fMRI to the study of unique cognitive events, and open up new opportunities for investigating learning, attention and unpredictable events, such as auditory hallucinations, as well as allowing improved monitoring of changes in brain function during pharmacological intervention. The increased CNR will also be used to improve the spatial resolution with which functional domains can be mapped. Our overall aim is to develop a 7T MR facility that maximises the benefits of ultra-high field for functional neuroimaging. To achieve this we will develop novel, specialised radiofrequency, gradient and shim coils, along with acquisition strategies that maximise functional CNR, whilst minimising susceptibility effects and the impact of physiological noise. Quantitative MRI and MRS measures of brain activity based on the haemodynamic and metabolic responses to it, as well as MRI direct detection methods, will be developed. Simultaneous EEG/fMRI and parallel MEG/fMRI studies will be undertaken to identify and improve understanding of the relationship between functional and spontaneous brain networks. We will optimise data acquisition and, in collaboration with FMRIB, data analysis methods, for single trial fMRI. The advantages of 7T will be exploited in studies of audition, sensorimotor function and mental disorders.
Organisations
- University of Nottingham, United Kingdom (Lead Research Organisation)
- University College London, United Kingdom (Collaboration)
- Philips Medical Systems UK Ltd (Collaboration)
- Utrecht University (Collaboration)
- Varian Inc (Collaboration)
- VSM Medtech Ltd. (Collaboration)
- Medical Research Council (Collaboration)
- University of Nottingham (Collaboration)
Publications

Bencsik M
(2007)
Electric fields induced in the human body by time-varying magnetic field gradients in MRI: numerical calculations and correlation analysis.
in Physics in medicine and biology

Blockley NP
(2009)
Perturbation of the BOLD response by a contrast agent and interpretation through a modified balloon model.
in NeuroImage

Blockley NP
(2008)
Field strength dependence of R1 and R2* relaxivities of human whole blood to ProHance, Vasovist, and deoxyhemoglobin.
in Magnetic resonance in medicine

Bowtell R
(2008)
Medical imaging: Colourful future for MRI.
in Nature

Brookes MJ
(2007)
Beamformer reconstruction of correlated sources using a modified source model.
in NeuroImage

Brookes MJ
(2008)
Optimising experimental design for MEG beamformer imaging.
in NeuroImage

Brookes MJ
(2007)
Noninvasive measurement of arterial cerebral blood volume using Look-Locker EPI and arterial spin labeling.
in Magnetic resonance in medicine

Brookes MJ
(2008)
Simultaneous EEG source localisation and artifact rejection during concurrent fMRI by means of spatial filtering.
in NeuroImage

Brookes MJ
(2009)
Source localisation in concurrent EEG/fMRI: applications at 7T.
in NeuroImage

Brookes MJ
(2010)
Investigating spatial specificity and data averaging in MEG.
in NeuroImage
Description | Health Protection Agency |
Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
Policy Influence Type | Membership of a guideline committee |
Impact | Advisory group for non ionising radiation Working Group on MRI patient and volunteer exposure, 2006-2007 Working party on epidemiology of MR worker exposure, 2008- |
Description | Vertigo paper |
Geographic Reach | Europe |
Policy Influence Type | Citation in other policy documents |
Impact | Used in determionation of static field staff exposure limits |
Description | ART Project Grant |
Amount | £23,500 (GBP) |
Funding ID | ART-PPG2006A-1 |
Organisation | Alzheimer's Research UK |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2006 |
End | 08/2007 |
Description | BBSRC project grant |
Amount | £800,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | EPSRC Project Grant |
Amount | £377,840 (GBP) |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | MRC Fellowship |
Amount | £109,981 (GBP) |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2007 |
End | 10/2009 |
Description | MRC Project Grant |
Amount | £614,205 (GBP) |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2007 |
End | 04/2011 |
Description | MS Society Project Grant |
Amount | £127,792 (GBP) |
Organisation | Multiple Sclerosis Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 07/2009 |
End | 08/2011 |
Description | MS Society Project Grant |
Amount | £39,745 (GBP) |
Organisation | Multiple Sclerosis Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2008 |
End | 03/2009 |
Description | Marie Curie early stage training centre |
Amount | £1,000,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | Global |
Start | 11/2006 |
End | 10/2009 |
Description | Marie Curie training award |
Amount | £2,000,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | Global |
Start |
Title | Data analysis techniques for MEG |
Description | Source localisation, and connectivity algorithms for MEG |
Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
Year Produced | 2010 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Collaborative papers with other research groups |
Title | EEG Beamformer source localisation |
Description | Source localisation methodology for EEG. |
Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
Year Produced | 2008 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Now offered by Brain Products on their EEG systems. |
Title | Improved arterial spin labelling sequences |
Description | Improved imaging sequences for measuring perfusion using arterial spin labelling. |
Type Of Material | Physiological assessment or outcome measure |
Year Produced | 2008 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Collaborative grant applications |
Description | Cognitive effects of magnetic fields |
Organisation | Utrecht University |
Country | Netherlands |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Provide access to high field MR systems and expertise in electromagnetism. |
Collaborator Contribution | Expertise in cognitive testing |
Impact | Refs 17969155, 17875601, 17290435 |
Start Year | 2006 |
Description | EEG/fMRI |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Department | MRC Institute of Hearing Research |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Expertise in MRI |
Collaborator Contribution | Expertise in EEG |
Impact | Refs 17683819, 17689767 |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | Functional MRI |
Organisation | University College London |
Department | Institute of Neurology |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Provide access to 7T scanner and expertise. |
Collaborator Contribution | Provided access to rare volunteers and specialist stimulation equipment |
Impact | Refs 17553420 |
Start Year | 2006 |
Description | Functional electrical stimulation in MS |
Organisation | University of Nottingham |
Department | School of Psychology Nottingham |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Provided access to 3T MRI scanner and expertise. Modified stimulation equipment to make it MR compatible. |
Impact | Publication ID's 18950717. |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | MEG source localisation methodology |
Organisation | VSM Medtech Ltd. |
Country | Canada |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Development of new techniques for MEG source localisation. Development of multi-modal fMRI/MEG/EEG methods. |
Collaborator Contribution | Provide expert advice on MEG. |
Impact | papers with pubmed id's 18155612 19049883 19635575 |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | Philips T2* |
Organisation | Philips Medical Systems UK Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Design and implementation of experiments to measure T2* at various field strengths. |
Collaborator Contribution | Expertise in use of scanners including access to proprietary information relating to hardware and software. Expertise and software for processing T2* data. |
Impact | Refs 17459640 |
Description | Varian |
Organisation | Varian Inc |
Country | United States |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Expertise in gradient coil design, MRI and access to MR systems for testing. |
Collaborator Contribution | Expertise in gradient coil design |
Impact | Poole et al, Concepts in magnetic resonance part B - Magnetic resonance engineering, 2007, 31B, p162-175. |
Start Year | 2006 |
Description | Yoursy |
Organisation | University College London |
Department | Institute of Neurology |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | High field MRI expertise, MR physics |
Collaborator Contribution | Posing the question, interpreting the images, MR physics |
Impact | None yet |
Start Year | 2012 |
Title | Gradient design software |
Description | Software for the design of magnetic field gradients. |
IP Reference | |
Protection | Protection not required |
Year Protection Granted | |
Licensed | Yes |
Impact | Gradient coil designs for split magnet PET MRI |
Description | BBC News 2007 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Interview with BBCs medical correspondent on the Impact of Ultra-high-field MRI Positive public response |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2007 |
Description | BBC News 2009 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Local BBC news interview on the Differential diagnosis of MS using MRI Positive public response |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009 |
Description | Get on 4 Uni |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | 30 academically gifted school pupils whose parents had not attended university visited the Sir Peter Mansfield MR Centre for a 40 minute talk followed by a demonstration of the imaging facilities (3T, 7T MRI and MEG). Feedback from pupils was very positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2008,2009,2010 |
Description | Heston Blumenthal |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | BBC TV programme General enquiries |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2008 |
Description | Horizon |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | TV program about fMRI. Public understanding of our work was enhanced |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009 |
Description | Northhampton Schools |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Demonstration lectures in schools. We run approximately 20 such activities with other schools. Outreach, widening participation, gifted and talented provision. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2006,2007,2008 |
Description | Ongoing school outreach activities |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Outreach activities including demonstratins, lectures and visites to the lab. Over 500 children have been interacted with. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014 |
Description | Public open day |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Open day as part of national science week Improved public understanding of science |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2007,2009 |