Imaging Technology for Neuroscience – ITN

Topics

• In vivo, ex vivo, histological, structural, functional and molecular imaging in humans, human neural tissues, animals and animal neural tissues. Imaging modalities primarily include MRI, PET, and their derivatives as well as other emerging technologies. 
• Contrast probe development for brain imaging. 
• Neural network and connectivity mapping; brain atlas creation across multiple modalities and scales. 
• Imaging and modeling of blood flow: cerebral hemodynamics; cerebrovascular contribution to fMRI. 
• Development of advanced pulse sequences for MRI acquisition including fMRI, diffusion high-resolution imaging and MRS metabolite detection. 
• Development of techniques for ultralow field MRI and hyperpolarized MRI. 
• Development of advanced techniques for network analyses of brain function and connectomics. 
• Novel detection technologies for PET/MRI/MEG/NIRS including novel detection arrays, novel rf coil and gradient development, optical magnetometry low temperature coils.  
• Electrical Impedance and Magnetic Induction tomography. 

Shared Interests and Overlaps

There are shared interests in development of probes, tracers, or contrast agents for use in the nervous system or in neurological disease with Imaging Probes and Contrast Agents (IPCA). Applications that emphasize proposing first in human studies for central nervous system targets, or translational applications of new tracers and contrast agents for neuroscience and neurological use are reviewed in ITN. Applications that emphasize the early steps such as synthesis, candidate identification, tracer characterization, safety, dosing, and preclinical validation are reviewed in IPCA.  

There are shared interests in refining protocols and optimize imaging systems for specific biological, physiological, and disease targets with Emerging Imaging Technologies and Applications (EITA). Applications that emphasize the characteristics of the nervous system that are critical to the proposed work are reviewed in ITN. Applications that emphasize development at a level where neuroscience is less central are reviewed in EITA.  

There are shared interests in developmental imaging proposals in which the work has advanced to the point where testing in humans with clinical outcomes with Clinical Translational Imaging Science (CTIS). Applications that emphasize when the translational end is neurological are reviewed in ITN. Applications that emphasize non-neurological translational applications are reviewed in CTIS.  

There are shared interests in creating new imaging technologies or new capabilities in existing modalities, sometimes intended for neuroscience problems with Imaging Technology Development (ITD). Applications that emphasize expert knowledge of the nervous system for evaluating the bioengineering work proposed are reviewed in ITN. Applications that emphasize basic engineering for creation of new modalities or new imaging capabilities are reviewed in ITD even if the eventual intended use of the technology is in neuroscience.  

There are shared interests in developing or evaluating new imaging technologies and protocols to target, guide, or control surgeries and medical therapies with Imaging Guided Interventions and Surgery (IGIS). Applications that emphasize the development of an imaging technology or methodology are reviewed in ITN. Applications that emphasize developing an image guided surgical or medical treatment are reviewed in IGIS, even if the target is a neurological disorder.  

There are shared interests in developing or optimizing emerging MRI and fMRI brain imaging technologies with Neuromodulation and Imaging of Neuronal Circuits (NINC). Applications that emphasize solely on MRI are reviewed in ITN. Applications that emphasize utilizing MRI in combination with another modality such as EEG or ultrasound are reviewed in NINC.  

There are shared interests in neuroimaging technologies to establish biomarkers and treatment of neurological diseases with Clinical Neurodegeneration and Translational Neuroscience (CNTN). Applications that emphasize developing new imaging technologies are reviewed in ITN. Applications that emphasize adapting established technologies for their use in disorders are reviewed in CNTN.  

There are shared interests in hemodynamics and visual function with Imaging and Bioengineering Technology for Brain and Visual Systems (IBV). Applications that emphasize OCT, optical and ultrasound techniques are reviewed in IBV. Applications that emphasize MRI modalities are reviewed in ITN.