# Next-Generation fMRI with MB-SWIFT: Insights into the Origins of Contrast

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · 2021 · $570,403

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Our long term goal is to establish the newly developed zero echo time MRI pulse sequence entitled Multi-Band
SWeep Imaging with Fourier Transformation (MB-SWIFT) as the next-generation method of choice for artefact-
free, quiet, high-resolution fMRI in humans, suitable for detecting neuronal activity via cellular mechanisms linked
to electrical events that are intrinsically unattainable with standard readout sequences. MB-SWIFT has been
already proven to offer remarkable advantages as compared to current fMRI techniques, since it is minimally
impacted by susceptibility artefacts, has high tolerance for movement, and produces a nearly silent, continuous
acoustic noise during acquisitions thanks to the use of slowly switching gradients. However, the origin of the
functional contrast has remained elusive so far. Our general hypothesis is that MB-SWIFT functional signals
closely reflect changes in local field potentials. We also advance the hypothesis that a non-negligible portion of
the contrast may arise from T1 contrast mechanisms involving the pool of immobilized spins that are most likely
sensitized to neuronal currents. Before undertaking a full-blown study that elucidates how relaxation mechanisms
linked to membrane potentials and ions redistributions impact MB-SWIFT signals, we first need to validate that
MB-SWIFT signals are sensitive proxies of neuronal activity, and determine whether they are substantially
mediated by relaxation mechanisms not explained by blood flow or oxygenation changes. Ergo, the current proof-
of-concept study in rodents will first establish to what extent MB-SWIFT signals reflect changes in neuronal
activity under awake, physiological conditions by acquiring fMRI signals with MB-SWIFT and electrophysiological
recording in somatosensory cortex during whisker stimulations of different duration and frequency. Then, we will
evaluate to what extent MB-SWIFT signals are sensitive to changes in oxygenation levels and cerebral blood
flow by conducting mechanistic studies during gas challenges, with different coil designs meant to isolate the
inflow contribution, and with different magnetic fields, meant to verify the presence of T1-mechanisms of possible
tissue origin. By achieving these aims we will gain pivotal insights into the substrates of the MB-SWIFT fMRI
signals, and will reach initial milestones that will advance MB-SWIFT towards detection of neuronal currents, a
goal that has been looked after for more than 20 years. In addition, the implications of the mechanistic studies
will expand beyond MB-SWIFT, and they will be relevant to other MRI approaches with virtually zero echo time.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10296096
- **Project number:** 1R01MH127548-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- **Principal Investigator:** SHALOM MICHAELI
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $570,403
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-06-01 → 2024-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10296096

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10296096, Next-Generation fMRI with MB-SWIFT: Insights into the Origins of Contrast (1R01MH127548-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10296096. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*