# Human Connectome Mapping Using Ultra-High-Resolution MRI: A Technological Pathway

> **NIH NIH R00** · WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV · 2020 · $239,000

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
One of the greatest challenges of modern biomedical science is the mapping of the human brain to understand
underlying functionality and behavior. The NIH-funded Human Connectome Project (HCP) is a large-scale multi-
institutional effort that constructs a vast in-vivo database of neural connectivity pathways, acquired using
diffusion and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ultra High-Field (UHF) MRI (using magnetic field
strengths of 7T and above) as part of the current and future HCP mandate provides promise of a crucial
improvement over 3T HCP in spatial resolution and sensitivity for deciphering subtle features that are <1mm in
size and could thus allow mapping of intricate detail such as intra-cortical or small subcortical network hubs.
There are substantial hurdles to surmount, however, before the promised increases in performance for UHF MRI
and thus their potential for the HCP are fully realized. This proposal focuses on two key limitations of UHF MRI
that are pivotal for the success of the UHF HCP mandate: 1) the non-uniform main magnetic field B0 resulting in
image artefacts/distortion, as well as 2) the problem of non-uniform power deposition in the body leading to tissue
heating, which is a safety concern that has not been completely solved to date.
My long-term goal is to develop hardware technology for clinical applicability of UHF MRI as an independently
funded faculty member. My approach and primary goal in this five-year project is to develop a single-device
compact low-cost helmet-style RF-coil array that in addition to its parallel imaging RF receive function serves the
1) main magnetic field homogenization (“shimming”) and 2) appropriate safety monitoring functions in the same
apparatus, thus facilitating the generation of human connectome maps with sub-mm resolution by overcoming
two critical barriers that currently limit the full potential of UHF MRI.
My preliminary data demonstrates the successful proof-of-concept implementation of these two key innovations:
a) I was awarded for the design of single-element RF-shim coils at 7T that combine RF receive and B0 shimming
function; and b) I have pioneered a groundbreaking invention for the mapping of power deposition patterns with
thermoacoustic signals.
The proposed research will will not only benefit the HCP but also significantly impact the long-term clinical
potential of UHF MRI by a) the improved safety-monitoring needed for FDA approval of UHF MRI; b) the
improved main magnetic field homogeneity for elimination of image distortion and artefact; and c) the integration
of a-b within a single compact low-cost device – thus providing sub-mm image resolution for detection of subtle
brain features at clinically accepted safety and distortion levels. Ultimately, clinical diagnostics will benefit from
the proposed project with improved sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring
of neurological disorders, such as Al...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9989859
- **Project number:** 5R00EB024341-04
- **Recipient organization:** WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV
- **Principal Investigator:** Simone Angela Winkler
- **Activity code:** R00 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $239,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-08-06 → 2022-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9989859

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9989859, Human Connectome Mapping Using Ultra-High-Resolution MRI: A Technological Pathway (5R00EB024341-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9989859. Licensed CC0.

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