# Metabolic Imaging Core

> **NIH NIH P30** · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · 2022 · $238,906

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The mission of the Metabolic Imaging Core (MIC) and its three Sub-Cores (Advanced Body Composition,
Positron Emission Tomography [PET], and Functional Neuroimaging) is to support nutrition and obesity
research from NORC-H members, by providing access to advanced non-invasive imaging technologies. Since
the last funding period, the MIC has enabled highly sophisticated assessments of body composition, tissue
physiology and brain function that accelerated translational research in human obesity and nutrition. The
NORC-H Metabolic Imaging Core coordinates and centralizes research imaging needs of NORC-H members
and encourages use of advanced metabolic imaging techniques, also providing support in research design and
consultation. The Advanced Body Composition Sub-Core provides services in multi-organ MRI/MR
spectroscopy, CT imaging and high-throughput image analysis used in a variety of body composition
assessments. The PET Sub-Core includes services of PET/CT, PET/MRI, and development of physiologic and
functional radiotracers. The Functional Neuroimaging Sub-Core provides services in fMRI and structural brain
imaging. The NORC-H combines the expertise of long-standing MGH imaging Cores, and over the last funding
cycle the MIC was rated very highly by NORC-H members and exceptionally productive, performing over 2,000
imaging services for members, including consultation and technical support, showing sustained demand
serving over 37 researchers, including 34 NORC-H members. The MIC also has expanded its imaging services
and technological innovations, making them available to NORC-H investigators.
The aims of the current renewal application are to:
1) Provide a variety of advanced imaging services, paired with consultation, to support studies in need of
 imaging-based endpoints, with continued innovation in imaging technologies, provision of new services,
 and expansion of user base,
2) Provide standalone imaging analysis services, including quantitative interpretation of imaging data and
 high-throughput body composition analyses of large datasets using deep learning algorithms developed in-
 house during the current funding cycle,
3) Harmonize imaging protocols used for brain, liver, muscle, and visceral fat MR studies across multiple
 NORCs, targeting high repeatability of MR-based measurements across Centers.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10499405
- **Project number:** 2P30DK040561-26
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** MARTIN TORRIANI
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $238,906
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1997-09-01 → 2027-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10499405

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10499405, Metabolic Imaging Core (2P30DK040561-26). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10499405. Licensed CC0.

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