# Major upgrade for UAB Bruker BioSpec preclinical 9.4T MRI

> **NIH NIH S10** · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · 2020 · $600,665

## Abstract

Project Summary
Partial support is requested to significantly upgrade a 2005 Bruker BioSpec 9.4T small animal Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI), which is currently the only small animal MRI in the state of Alabama. This
system is greatly supported by the University of Alabama at Birmingham, but needs improved
technology (hardware and software) to enhance innovative research. By providing access to ultra-high
resolution biomedical imaging of small animals, the Bruker 9.4T scanner facility has supported
innovative basic and translational preclinical research facilitated by many NIH-funded and other
federally- and foundation- funded scientists over the past 14 years of operation. The current system is
now outdated and not fully compatible with cutting-edge MRI experimental methodology, and is no
longer capable of being supported by service contracts for maintenance. An Avance Neo Console
Upgrade is needed for at least 15 NIH-funded researchers to maintain high quality innovative research
with technology and efficiency that compares (and extends) beyond current clinical imaging capabilities.
The upgrade is being strongly supported by the University with significant funds from a variety of
departments and centers to help support this advancement. The upgrade, which includes hardware,
software, and service components, will improve the scanner’s performance and capabilities to rival that
of a new magnet while being much less financially expensive (less than half the cost) compared to a
full replacement with the same capabilities. The new broadband RF system, gradient system, parallel-
receiver upgrade and Paravision 360 user interface will make possible the collection of high-quality
arterial spin labeling (ASL), diffusion, spectroscopy, dynamic contrast-enhanced, and BOLD imaging
data. These imaging modalities are in demand at UAB, yet the facility is currently unable to support
requests to collect these data without the upgrade. The scanner’s current major users contribute to
research in the fields of Oncology, Nephrology, Cardiology, Ophthalmology, Biomedical Engineering,
and Neurobiology. In particular, the MRI facility is used to study neuroendocrine, breast, glioma, and
pancreatic tumors, acute kidney injury, fistulas, polycystic kidney disease, retinal degeneration, as well
as to develop myocardial patches and non-invasive methods of neuromodulation. Continued support
of current ongoing projects, while broadening and extending capabilities to foster new projects is the
ultimate goal of the present application.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9939233
- **Project number:** 1S10OD028498-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- **Principal Investigator:** Anna C Sorace
- **Activity code:** S10 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $600,665
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-08-15 → 2022-08-14

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9939233

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9939233, Major upgrade for UAB Bruker BioSpec preclinical 9.4T MRI (1S10OD028498-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9939233. Licensed CC0.

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