# Functional Ultrasound (fUS) Neuroimaging System

> **NIH NIH S10** · CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $516,670

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
We propose to purchase a new Iconeus One functional ultrasound (fUS) neuroimaging system from the
company, Iconeus, to enhance the biomedical ultrasound and neuroimaging capabilities of the Imaging Research
Core of Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). The fUS system offers unique capabilities in the
neuroimaging space, which are currently unmet by any other instrument. More specifically, fUS fills a critical gap
between functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and standard
small animal optical imaging methods by providing a method of acquiring ultra-fast (1 Mhz), high-resolution (<50
micron spatial resolution) data, which is highly sensitive to changes in cerebral blood volume and vascular
morphology. The main points of distinction of the fUS system from fMRI are 1) the ability to acquire at an
unprecedented temporal and spatial resolution changes of brain vasculature and cerebral blood flow in awake,
mobile mice and rats; 2) a mobile, plug-and-play platform that can be relocated easily, if need be, to the site of
an experiment; and 3) substantially lower cost and greater accessibility compared to an fMRI scanner. Moreover,
it does not require the high maintenance costs of an MRI. Acquisition of this system would add value and advance
numerous ongoing projects in brain imaging, neural engineering, deep brain stimulation, neurodegenerative
diseases, pain, and development of theranostics for neuro-oncology applications. The fUS system would be the
first of its kind in the greater Cleveland area and would enable investigators from CWRU and the surrounding
four clinical affiliates (the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Louis
Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and The MetroHealth System) to carry out
cutting edge research in these very important fields. This new preclinical fUS capability will also be available to
all regional investigators. A highly interdisciplinary group of 16 Major Users from all these institutions will work
on collaborative projects using the Iconeus One. Ultimately, our goal in acquiring this advanced neuroimaging
technology is to better visualize, design, evaluate, and translate treatments for neurological disorders. An
advisory committee of highly experienced ultrasound and neuroimaging faculty at CWRU and external
institutions will oversee the organization and usage of the system and recommend policies to maintain system
performance and maximize utilization. These advancements will drive our research forward and ultimately
improve human health.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10851198
- **Project number:** 1S10OD036231-01
- **Recipient organization:** CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Agata A Exner
- **Activity code:** S10 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $516,670
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-08-15 → 2025-08-14

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10851198

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10851198, Functional Ultrasound (fUS) Neuroimaging System (1S10OD036231-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10851198. Licensed CC0.

---

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