Microscopic diffusion anisotropy imaging
Lead Research Organisation:
University College London
Department Name: Cell and Developmental Biology
Abstract
The microstructure of brain tissue is critical to neural function and health. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive technique for the assessment of microstructural features and therefore offers untapped potential to study both brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders in preclinical setting and living humans. The aim of this project is to pioneer advanced MRI techniques enabling to monitor the microscopic progression of nervous tissue structure in vivo. Specifically, we will exploit the diffusion process of water molecules as a fingerprint to recover tissue microstructure using the latest MRI technology, computational modelling and machine-learning methods.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M009513/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2024 | |||
| 1902617 | Studentship | BB/M009513/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2021 | Noemi Gyori |
| Description | A new in-vivo imaging technique was developed based on diffusion MRI, which facilitates sensitivity to microscopic tissue structures that have spherical geometry (such as cell bodies) as well as cylindrical geometry (such as axons and dendrites). This technique was designed for grey matter in the brain and a proof-of-concept study was performed on healthy adult volunteers. |
| Exploitation Route | This imaging technique could be beneficial in several neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative diseases that disrupt cellular morphology in brain tissue, and in particular in grey matter. These include lesions in focal cortical dysplasia, as well as neuronal loss in Huntington's disease. If the developed imaging technique is sensitive to changes in these conditions, it may improve the diagnosis and characterisation of these conditions. |
| Sectors | Healthcare,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | ISMRM Magnetic Moments Public Engagement Competition |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | I made a public engagement video on my work as part of a public engagement competition at the ISMRM annual meeting in 2021. The video was watched and commented on my school children and a school teacher. Since, the video has also been put on YouTube and is freely available to watch there. My video received second place at the competition. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_SMtWtuYEs |