# Robust and precise imaging of infant brain development with magnetic resonance imaging

> **NIH NIH R01** · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $537,730

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract:
 This research proposal aims to develop advanced in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies
for studying infant brain development. The objective is to achieve motion-robust, high-resolution (600µm isotropic)
whole-brain quantitative MRI (qMRI) and diffusion MRI (dMRI) within a clinically feasible scan time. By improving
image resolution and quality, we can better understand the microstructural changes in cortex and superficial
white matter during infancy. Specifically, the development of myelin, a crucial indicator of brain development, will
be assessed using qMRI and dMRI techniques such as myelin water fraction mapping (MWF), longitudinal
relaxation time T1, transverse relaxation time T2, mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA). These
techniques provide valuable information about tissue properties, contributing to a comprehensive understanding
of early brain development.
 Increasing the spatial resolution of qMRI and dMRI is crucial for accurately studying myelination and tracking
developmental trajectories. However, current image resolutions in large-scale clinical and research studies
typically range from 1.0 to 2.0mm, leading to partial volume effects and potential inaccuracies in assessing myelin
content. Overcoming challenges such as long scan times, motion sensitivity, and decreased signal-to-noise ratio
is essential for increasing image resolution in infant brain development studies.
 To address these challenges, this grant proposes three specific aims. Aim 1 focuses on developing
acquisition and reconstruction strategies for 600µm whole-brain multi-parametric qMRI. This includes the use of
our proposed ViSTa-MRF sequence for simultaneous MWF, T1, and T2 mapping, as well as motion-robust
subspace reconstruction for improved identification of myelin components. Aim 2 aims to develop acquisition
and reconstruction strategies for high-fidelity whole-brain mesoscale dMRI, incorporating techniques such as
simultaneous multi-slab gSlider encoding and blipped-up/-down circular-EPI acquisition. Motion-robust dMRI
approaches will also be developed to mitigate head motion and correct image distortions. Aim 3 involves
translating the developed qMRI and dMRI techniques for infant brain development by establishing a protocol
using a home-built baby coil and validating the techniques through ex-vivo and in-vivo measurements.
Longitudinal assessment of the visual cortex and superficial white matter will be conducted to validate
developmental variations, explore the association between microstructural development and tissue proliferation,
and investigate myelination and U-fibers.
 Overall, this proposal leverages expertise in MRI technology development, data acquisition, reconstruction,
and analysis to advance our understanding of infant brain development. By enhancing the capabilities of qMRI
and dMRI, we can gain valuable insights into the intricate processes of early brain development.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10858775
- **Project number:** 1R01HD114719-01
- **Recipient organization:** STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Congyu Liao
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $537,730
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-23 → 2025-04-18

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10858775

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10858775, Robust and precise imaging of infant brain development with magnetic resonance imaging (1R01HD114719-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-28 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10858775. Licensed CC0.

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